October 4, 2021 4.25 pm This story is over 43 months old

Two Boston United players suspended over betting breaches

Duo placed bets on over 700 football matches
Jay Rollins and Andi Thanoj have both been charged with betting misconduct by the FA. | Photo: Boston United FC
By Local Democracy Reporter

The Football Association has suspended and fined two Boston United players after they were charged with betting misconduct.

Midfielders Andi Thanoj and Jay Rollins were both charged with misconduct in relation to betting in August 2020, after it was found that a total of 757 bets were placed on football matches over a six year period.

The pair breached FA Rule E8, which states that a participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any football match, or any matter concerning football in the world.

Thanoj was charged with misconduct after 319 bets had been placed on football matches between September 2014 and May 2020, while Rollins was charged after 438 bets were placed on football matches between September 2015 and February 2020.

Andi Thanoj was given a £950 fine and a five month suspension from all football and football related activity, while Jay Rollins was banned for one month and fined £500.

It is unclear whether the players were betting on matches they were directly involved in or on other football games taking place across the globe, but both have been hit with fines and suspensions for their actions.

Rollins is Boston United’s longest serving player, having joined in July 2015, while Thanoj is also somewhat of a stalwart at the club, joining the Pilgrims in December 2017 after beginning his career at Grimsby Town.

A spokesperson for the football club said: “Boston United acknowledge the Football Association bans from football handed out to contracted players Andi Thanoj and Jay Rollins.

“The bans relate to historical breaches of FA betting rules as part of a wide-ranging investigation across non-league football.

“Clearly, we are very disappointed with the situation as the club has clear policies regarding betting. The club will make no further comment at this stage.”

In more positive news for the Pilgrims, they have been given a home draw for the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, where they will face Southern League Premier Division Central side Stratford Town on Saturday, October 16.