The FA have opened an investigation into suspicious betting patterns surrounding Arsenal's FA Cup victory against Oxford United.
The Gunners eased to a comfortable 3-0 win at the League One club, aided by the efforts of Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny.
According to the Daily Mail, the peculiar betting centres around the booking of Northern Irish defender Ciaron Brown.
BREAKING: #oufc The FA are investigating suspicious betting patterns around the booking of Oxford Utd defender Ciaron Brown during Monday’s FA Cup third round defeat by Arsenal. Brown was the only player shown a yellow card in the game, which Arsenal won 3-0. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/eVcZsp8Nx0
— BBC Radio Oxford Sport (@bbcoxfordsport) January 11, 2023
The 24-year-old received a yellow card in the 59th minute for a foul on striker Nketiah. Coincidentally, his was the only booking in the match.
The report from the Daily Mail states that "Eyewitnesses at the game told Sportsmail they saw several Arsenal fans celebrating after Brown was booked, with several of them bragging about winning hundreds of pounds."
It is believed that the FA is aware of the scenario and will open a full investigation.
The club released a brief statement about the allegation.
Club Statement | Arsenal Match
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 11, 2023
It reads: "Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of irregular betting around our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday evening.
"The club will cooperate fully with any investigation and while this is ongoing, we are unable to make any further comment."
Beat has reached out to the club to gather additional information.
