Betting Scam Alert on Shearer testimonial

Last updated : 11 May 2006 By W Hill
Bookmakers are looking to investigate a possible betting scam on the outcome of Alan Shearers testimonial game which ended in a 3-2 victory for Newcastle. The game itself was played in a competitive spirit and The travelling Celtic fans as expected added to the colour and noise of the occasion. Because of Shearers injury he could not take part in the game but a seemingly "Orchestrated" penalty was sportingly given away by Celtic to allow Shearer to enter the Newcastle pitch for the last time and he tucked the ball away to give Newcastle the win. Because the penalty was seen to be orchestrated in advance bookmakers are concerned that there may have been a series of last minute bets being laid by people who were in on the secret which could have netted tham a substantial cash windfall. This may have been the closest thing to match fixing we have seen this season and although it was done in the best of spirits try telling that to the people who had bet on the draw.