Updated at 19.22
THE FIRST DIVISION in the SSE Airtricity League is once again at the centre of speculation over match-fixing.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Cobh Ramblers confirmed that they have formally requested the FAI to investigate their 3-2 defeat at home to Limerick on Saturday.
An article published in The Times today reported that the game “attracted suspicious betting”, as fifth-placed Limerick ran out 3-2 winners at St Colman’s Park.
The statement from the East Cork-based League of Ireland outfit reads:
The Board of Cobh Ramblers are aware of speculation in relation to Saturday night’s SSE Airtricity League fixture. As of yesterday morning, we have formally requested the Football Association of Ireland to investigate. The club will assist the FAI with their enquiries. Whilst this investigation is ongoing there will be no further comment from the club.
Limerick were 2-0 up at half-time. Eighth-placed Ramblers had drawn level by the 65th minute, but the visitors snatched the winner with 11 minutes remaining. Two of Limerick’s three goals were scored from the penalty spot.
An FAI source told RTÉ last month that Irish football’s governing body was investigating suspicious betting activity relating to Limerick’s 2-0 defeat to Shelbourne.
Former Athlone Town players Igors Labuts and Dragos Sfrijan each received 12-month bans after the FAI looked into claims of irregular betting that stemmed from a defeat to Longford Town in April 2017.
The FAI released a statement this evening in relation to the two Limerick games in question.
“The Football Association of Ireland is awaiting a Uefa report on betting patterns surrounding the Cobh Ramblers First Division game with Limerick FC last Saturday night after receiving correspondence from the Cork club.
“The FAI is currently investigating betting patterns around Limerick’s game against Shelbourne on April 19th.”
FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin said: “We have received a Uefa report on the Shelbourne v Limerick fixture in April and are awaiting their report on the Cobh v Limerick game last Saturday.
“We have received correspondence from the Cobh Ramblers Board in relation to that match. The FAI remains committed to a zero tolerance stance on match fixing.”
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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Really interesting insight, and it tallies with the outlook of some of the best coaches in world rugby. Graham Henry and Schmidt both focus on key skills and structure.
Is there a route in Ireland for a guy like this to get into top level coaching anymore? A lot of the top coaches from the last 15 or 20 years – Henry, Schmidt, Kidney – were teachers who didn’t actually play the game at the top level. Nowadays there seems to be more an emphasis on ex-players becoming coaches. What about giving people who actually know how to coach an opportunity?