MARTIN’S SMARTIN’ OVER HIS 4-YEAR BET BAN

ASHTON UNITED’S Martin Pilkington says the Football Association “threw me under the bus” after receiving a four-year ban following an investigation into betting breaches.

The Robins confirmed last July that several of their 2014-15 squad were being investigated by the game’s governing body.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Pilkington, 28, as well as a number of other former Ashton players were found guilty of breaching FA betting rules.

The former Abbey Hey striker, the only player named so far and the only one still with Ashton, has received a heavy four-year ban with the final 12 months suspended for two years.

Pilkington, who said he had put on over 800 bets over two years including 16 on games involving Ashton, is not intending on appealing the decision.

He took to Twitter to air his grievances afterwards, saying:“I signed a form which I didn't really read about gambling and nothing was solidly made aware of the consequences.

“I hope other players will learn from this and if I am the example that it works for these lads. I guess the FA never took into account scoring the winner in a game I backed against my team.

“I went to a hearing and put my case across then they threw me under the bus. In all honesty I know people have bets in NonLeague, I hope this is an eye opener and people realise times have changed.”

New FA betting rules put in place at the start of 201415 means players from Steps 1-4 are not allowed to bet on any football matches around the world.

A club statement read: “Ashton United has fully supported the FA enquiry throughout the investigation and urges any fellow players to seek appropriate help if gambling is becoming an issue in their life.”