Sutton won’t investigate rest of club over pie bets

SUTTON UNITED will not conduct their own investigation into whether any other players or staff were involved in the betting controversy which saw goalkeeper Wayne Shaw leave the club.

Shaw (below) made the headlines during Monday night’s FA Cup match at home to Arsenal when he was seen eating a pie on the sidelines late in the game. Standard Sport understands he was telephoned by Sutton chairman Bruce Elliott yesterday and told he could either be sacked or choose to resign. He opted for the latter.

A betting company had offered odds of 8-1 on Shaw consuming a pie during the match and while the 45-yearold insisted he didn’t put a bet on, he confirmed “a few mates and fans” did. The Twitter account of the betting company confirmed it paid out a five-figure sum to those who bet on it. FA rules dictate that players should not instruct any person to bet in such circumstances.

Boss Paul Doswell last night was unable to guarantee that no other players or staff had made a bet. But instead of launching their own investigation, the club will let the FA and Gambling Commission take charge.

When Standard Sport contacted Elliott to ask why Sutton weren’t conducting an investigation, he said: “We are not prepared to say much beyond the short statement we put out on our website. We are just waiting for the FA to come up with their thoughts and guidance.”

Should Shaw be found guilty of any wrongdoing, then the most likely punishment will be a fine.