Some Fans Point to Arsenal Player Granit Xhaka as FA Launches Yellow Card "Suspicious Betting" Probe
The Football Association (FA) are investigating a yellow card received by Arsenal star over suspicious betting activity following a bookie's request it was revealed on Thursday. That bookmaker reported "suspicious wagering" activity.
The FA said: “The FA is aware of the matter in question and is looking into it.”
The identity of the player in question is yet to be released. But in this world of social media, the speculation is running rampant who it might be. And one name in particular stands out.
80 minutes into one match this season, a £65,000 bet was reportedly placed on Granit Xhaka to receive a yellow card. He was booked in the 86th minute.
The FA is investigating a yellow card received by an Arsenal player in a Premier League fixture this season, amid concerns of suspicious betting patterns.
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) January 19, 2022
It's a simple process of elimination as to why Xhanka would stand out over others, though he's not the only footballer under the microscope.
He and Albert Sambi Lokonga have received the joint-most yellow cards in the Premier for Arsenal so far this season with four.
Outcast former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka are next on the list with three.
Gabriel, Thomas Partey, Rob Holding and Martin Odegaard have two each.
The FA, however, has made it clear that its inquiry is on the betting patterns themselves rather than any particular individuals. Suggestions that Xhaka or any other Arsenal player engaged in a form of match fixing is purely speculative at this time.
- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
