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FootballFA Cup: Fans React to Reports Oxford Player Is Being Investigated in Betting Scandal for Fouling Saka
- Fans have reacted to reports of an Oxford player under investigation for a betting scandal
- Arsenal comprehensively beat the lower tiered club to advance to the FA Cup's next round
- Barely 48 hours after the victory and the game is now in the spotlight over one yellow card
The FA have reportedly opened an investigation into a reportedly suspicious booking incident, in the match involving Arsenal and Oxford United on Monday, January 9.
The Gunners were comfortable 3-0 winners against the League One outfit, thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Mohammed Elneny.
According to Oxford Mail, the FA allegedly have 'compelling evidence' implicating Oxford player, Ciaron Brown in a betting scandal.
There are also alleged text messages doing rounds on Twitter, which appear to show a prediction that Brown would receive a yellow card at the Kassam Stadium.
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The odds for that happening was a staggering 8-1.
It just so happened that Brown went on to get booked in the 59th minute with the scores 0-0, after a foul on Bukayo Saka. Saka was then forced to leave the field with a suspected leg injury.
Minutes later, Elneny gave the Gunners the lead in the tie, before Nketiah’s brace sealed victory.
SportsMail further reports that several fans were heard celebrating wildly within the stadium after Brown was booked, which further fueled suspicion.
The player in question only joined Oxford United permanently in the summer, but has been the one of the club’s best players so far this season.
Fans react to the allegations
The scathing allegations against the defender have since taken social media by storm, with fans weighing in with varying reactions.
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Football“Should investigate why he had to commit so many deliberate fouls on Saka to get a single yellow," one fan commented.
“He was being very aggressive at one point,” another added.
“Only the FA could start an investigation as to why someone fouled Saka and actually got booked," said another fan.
“8/1 for a player to be booked while defending against someone who goes down easier than Katie Price? Seems like a pretty good bet to me. Nothing suspicious about it.”
Arteta provides Saka injury update
Sports Brief also reported on Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta providing an update on Saka, after the youngster left the field injured during their FA Cup tie with Oxford.
The injury comes at a bad time for the Premier League leaders, who face a tough series of matches including versus Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United.
However, the Gunners boss has allayed fears regarding Saka, revealing the youngster could be available as soon as this weekend.