McNulty ‘arrested’ as Pitman earns praise at Swindon
FORMER Pompey striker Marc McNulty has been arrested by Scottish police ‘probing allegations of match fixing in football’, according to reports.
The Scottish Sun on Sunday
claims McNulty, who plays for Reading, and a 21-year-old man from West Lothian, were held by police earlier this week.
Several properties in Edinburgh and the Forth Valley areas were searched as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Scottish Sun on Sunday
reports the investigation involves bets on yellow cards being handed to players among other claims.
A Police Scotland statement said: ‘Police Scotland is investigating reported incidents relating to gambling in sport.
‘As part of the ongoing inquiry officers searched a number of properties in the Edinburgh and Forth Valley areas on Wednesday, September 23.
‘Two men, aged 21 and
28, have been arrested and released pending further inquiries.’
McNulty spent the 2015-16
season on loan at Pompey from Sheffield United.
The forward was a big fans' favourite during his time at Fratton Park.
He scored 12 times in 34 games as Paul Cook's side's campaign culminated in a heartbreaking League Two play-off semi-final loss to Plymouth.
McNulty enjoyed a prolific season at Coventry in 201718, plundering 28 goals to help them earn promotion to League One via the play-off final.
He earned a switch to Reading that summer but has failed to establish himself at the Championship outfit, netting just once in 15 appearances.
McNulty's had loan spells at Sunderland and Hibernian during his time at the Royals.
Richie Wellens has hailed Brett Pitman’s start at Swindon after the ex-Pompey favourite fired his first goal for the club.
The striker, who left Fratton Park club in the summer, was on target in the Robins’ 4-2 win over Burton.
Wellens said: ‘Pitman’s obviously experienced and has game knowledge of where to go and when to go.
‘His physicality is different when we play high balls. He leans into defenders, he’s really good at using his body.
‘We spoke about cutbacks and know their centre-backs like to retreat to the edge of the six-yard box.
‘We spoke to the players that if they get into the position, can you find a cutback?
‘Luckily they did and it was a great finish from him. I have to say, his finishing in training has been outstanding.’