Still: Match-fixers have betrayed their profession

Hatters boss John Still condemned any player found guilty of match fixing for ‘betraying their profession,’ writes Mike Simmonds.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2013, 13:00 BST
John StillJohn Still
John Still

Whitehawk FC duo Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun were both charged with conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into match-fixing in the UK yesterday.

The pair have been bailed and are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on December 11.

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Meanwhile, the National Crime Agency arrested six members of an alleged betting syndicate on suspicion of fixing football matches last month, which included at least three footballers.

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On what punishment should face anyone found guilty, Still said: “I really really hope that some of the accusations aren’t true, but if they are true, I’m not one of these people who thinks hang them and flog them.

“But they shouldn’t be involved in the game, as you’ve betrayed your profession, that’s what you’ve done, you’ve not just let yourself done.

“So the strongest possible thing should be available to them.”

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Despite being involved in football management for over 30 years, Still had never personally come across any incidents of match-fixing.

The boss also thought that if it was taking place, it was only involving a minority of players.

He added: “I’ve never been involved in a game, or actually been at a game where I thought that something was funny.

“I’m not saying it hasn’t happened, I don’t know if it’s happened or not, but if it happens, it’s only a small percentage of players.

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“I can’t honestly believe that people would put their reputation on the line, I just don’t.

“Until something’s been proved, you’re almost reluctant to comment about it in general.

“It’s so easy to be accused of something. If you look at the amount of penalties that are given or not given, the referee is right there, he’s given it and it’s proved it isn’t, or vice versa.

“The way I look at it, is when it’s actually been proved, that would be the time to comment.”

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