Joey Barton, an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Scottish Premiership club Rangers, has been charged with breaking gambling rules. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has accused the 34-year-old of placing 44 bets on football matches between July 1st and September 15th 2016.
The midfielder has until October 12th to respond to the allegations, with a hearing date set for October 27th 2016. The SFA disciplinary rule 31 forbids managers, players, referees, and club officials in Scotland from betting on football matches anywhere across the globe.
The Rangers midfielder is currently banned by his club after a training-ground argument with Rangers boss Mark Warburton. The two argued after Rangers lost 5-1 against their bitter rival Celtic. The player was also told not to speak to the media after further infuriating his manager by giving a radio interview where he claimed Warburton’s decision to suspend him had been surprising.
Gambling Commission Investigates Joey Barton
Last month, it emerged Barton was under investigation by the Gambling Commission for wagering on Celtic to suffer a substantial loss against Spanish Champions, Barcelona in the Champions League. According to the Mirror UK, the player allegedly wagered for Celtic to lose against Barcelona by at least three goals. The money wagered was placed on Barton’s personal account with Sportsbook Betfair.
At the Nou Camp, Warburton’s side lost seven goals to nil to the Spanish champions.
