BOOKIES FEARING FOX BITE

LEICESTER could bash the bookies again – but this time for all the wrong reasons.

The 5,000-1 shots caused a multi-million pound upset by confounding pundits, fans and even themselves by lifting the Premier League trophy nine months ago.

Now as they hover above the drop-zone, the oddsmakers are bracing themselves for another financial hit.

If Leicester follow Manchester City’s example of 79 years ago and are relegated after winning the title, the bookies will be given another kicking.

Although the odds on Leicester being relegated were 50-1 at the start of the current campaign, it will trigger a substantial loss should Claudio Ranieri’s side drop into the Championship.

Steve Freeth, of bet365.com, said: “We dangled a carrot in front of punters with odds of 50-1, and saw plenty of activity at those levels.

“One thing is for sure, it will be our worst ante-post bet of the season. It would be our biggest liability if Leicester went down.

“Twelve months ago, the industry didn’t believe they would go on to win the Premier League – when they defeated Manchester City at the Etihad prices were then slashed – but by then the horse had bolted.”

Freeth added: “We’ve taken a few bets on Leicester being relegated and winning the Champions League. That comes in at a tasty 5,000-1 – which is the same price that was originally quoted for them to win the league.”