Players meet union as probe escalates

BRAY WANDERERS’ players last night met collectively with their union before training as An Garda Síochána stepped up their probe into alleged match-fixing.

Late on Wednesday night, the FAI confirmed an investigation had been launched surrounding the friendly game between Bray and Waterford United on foot of a complaint received.

The game finished 5-0 to the First Division side, who scored three of their goals inside the first half-hour.

While it is unclear as to the source of this complaint, gardaí were notified and considered the case of sufficient severity to mobilise their National Economic Crime Bureau.

Several officers from the division, otherwise known as the fraud squad, visited a scheduled training session on Tuesday night to interview a number of players.

It is understood the queries posed to players during the interviews held in cars were general in nature rather than on specific betting activity.

Amongst the questions asked were their method of transport to the Carlisle Grounds for Friday’s game and who they sat beside in the dressing-room prior to kick-off.

No arrests were made and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by any of Bray’s players.

Speaking yesterday, their representatives, the Players Football Association of Ireland (PFAI), said they were still awaiting details from the FAI of the specific allegations.