Donegal footballer Ronan Doherty is believed be the player suspended by Irish League Premier Division club Institute, who are probing an alleged breach of the sport’s gambling laws.
Institute this morning issued a statement to confirm that a player has been suspended and that they will be working with the NIFL and IFA ‘to determine what further action should be taken’.
The allegations centre on a game on February 9 last, which Institute lost 2-1 to Ballymena United.
Under strict rules, players cannot place bets on any team in any competition in which their team takes part.
Institute this morning issued a statement in which they confirmed the ‘authenticity of a screenshot recently circulated on social media, which apparently shows an Institute player ‘asking a friend to place a bet on Ballymena to beat Institute’.
“We can confirm that one of our players contacted the Chairman today to admit responsibility,” the Institute statement states.
He has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and would like to apologise to the Board, our supporters, his team mates and coaches.
The club statement quotes the player as saying: “I know it was stupid. I have learned a hard lesson. I will accept whatever punishment comes my way and then do my utmost to restore the club’s faith in me”.
The statement does not name the player, but Doherty – who joined ‘Stute from Cockhill Celtic in the summer – has been temporarily stood down by the club.
Doherty had made an instant impact at ‘Stute, who are back in the top flight of the Irish League and on Saturday starred in their win over Dungannon Swifts at the Brandywell.
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