April 19, 2018 5.29 pm This story is over 79 months old

Former Lincoln City player Bradley Wood banned from football for six years for betting offences

He admitted placing bets on a football match he was playing in.

A former Imps promotion winner has been banned from football for six years after being charged by the FA with 25 incidents relating to betting.

Bradley Wood, now playing at Alfreton Town, admitted 23 allegations that he “placed bets on the progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in, a football match”.

The charges relate to matches between October 2014 and April 2017.

Wood denied two charges relating to his conduct in two FA cup matches last year, against Ipswich and Burnley, in which he was booked – but the charges were found to be proven by the FA panel.

Wood was fined £3,725 and ordered to pay costs.

Lincoln City Football Club said it was informed about the investigation at the end of April and suspended Wood for the final two weeks of his contract. In May the club released the player.

The club added that none of the incidents involved in the charges allege any attempt to affect the actual result of matches.

Liam Scully, Chief Executive at Sincil Bank, said the club were deeply disappointed by the news.
“This football club takes its own integrity, and the integrity of football as whole, extremely seriously so were shocked and saddened to be informed of the allegations.

“We acted quickly when we were first informed and have, at the request of the FA and for the sake of Bradley Wood, kept the allegations private until the matter was resolved.

“We wholeheartedly condemn any behaviour which could tarnish the reputation of football as a sport and have given the FA our complete support in conducting the investigation.

“It is important to note, however, that these charges relate to the individual actions of a single player and it is accepted by everyone that they played no part in the results of games.”

“We are relieved the matter has now been brought to a conclusion.”

As reported in December, Wood was fined after he pleaded guilty to assault after an incident at North Kesteven Sports Centre in North Hykeham in August 2017. 

He was also previously convicted of drink driving and driving while disqualified earlier in the year.