English FA launch point detection probe into Oxford Utd's FA Cup tie with Arsenal

January 12 - The Football Association of England are to investigate reports of rigging around the booking of Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown (pictured right) in the 3-0 defeat of England Ligue 1 side face Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday.

Suspicious betting patterns regarding Brown's 59th-minute booking for a foul on Bukayo Saka while the game was still scoreless have come to the attention of the FA.

The Daily Mail newspaper reports that text messages were exchanged before the match suggesting Brown would be shown a yellow card, with an image detailing a betting slip. Brown's booking came minutes before Arsenal's first goal.

The Mail reported that "The FA have a dossier of evidence relating to alleged corruption, including alleged phone messages before kick-off at Kassam Stadium which claim Brown would be booked in a betting scam which allegedly cost over £1,600 bookmaker."

In a statement on Wednesday, Brown's club said: "Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of improper betting around our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday. evening.

"The club will co-operate fully with any investigation and while it is ongoing we cannot comment further."

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