Irish League match under microscope for suspicious betting patterns

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is expected to carry out an investigation into Saturday’s match between Cobh Ramblers and Limerick FC which was won 3:2 by the guests. It has been reported that a number of suspicious betting patterns have been spotted.

FAI was alerted that match has attracted a ‘significant volume’ of bets for an encounter that would typically hold very little interest. The Times has reported that major betting operators like Paddy Power and bet365 had shut down betting on this football match shortly before Limerick’s opening goal (guests lead 2:0 and also scored two goals from penalties).

“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,” said FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin.

FAI is also currently investigating April 19 match between Limerick and Shelbourne, which is reported to have attracted a ‘major gamble’ on a Shelbourne win (finished 2-0 to Shelbourne).

“We have received a UEFA report on the Shelbourne v Limerick fixture in April. And we are awaiting their report on the Cobh v Limerick game last Saturday,” added Gavin.