MPs raise Norwich match-fix concerns

MPs demanded answers last night amid rumours that a Norwich City game is at the centre of match-fixing allegations currently being investigated by the Football Association.

The FA confirmed it had launched an investigation after a Sunday newspaper handed over a document detailing “extraordinary betting patterns in the Asian market during a recent Championship game.”

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb and Norwich North MP Ian Gibson - both Norwich City season ticket holders - have tabled Parliamentary questions asking culture, media and sport secretary Andy Burnham what knowledge, if any, he has of the FA investigation.

Mr Lamb's question, tabled yesterday, directly refers to Norwich City's home league match against Derby County on October 4, which Derby won 2-1.

It reads: “To ask the secretary of state for culture, media and sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association on allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity involving the Norwich City vs Derby County Football League Championship match on Saturday, 4 October.”

Mr Lamb said: “It was profoundly shocking to me, as a supporter and season ticket-holder, to learn that Norwich City were at the centre of such allegations.

“I have no idea as to whether there is any substance to them. But they are of such importance that I had to give priority to establishing the facts, when I discovered they were starting to circulate at Westminster.

“This is fundamental to the reputation of the club and the integrity of the game. When you watch a match you have to be able to trust what is going on in front of you.

“This needed to be brought into the open, and the fans needed to know what was being talked about.”

Dr Gibson's question reads: “To ask the secretary of state for culture, media and sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association in respect of recent allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity on a Football League Championship match.”

Dr Gibson said: “Having been at the game myself and having experienced the disappointment of losing it I feel that the sooner that this is sorted out the better it will be.

“I have contacted the FA. They phoned me back and said 'yes, that's the game'. They also said that they hoped to have a report out within a week.”

Officially, the FA has not revealed which match is under investigation, saying only: “We will consider any evidence which is brought to our attention. We are committed to thoroughly investigating any allegations of this nature.”

A spokesman for the Gambling Commission, which has been sent the same document, said: “We do look at all reported allegations of lack of integrity in sports betting and will consider what action will be necessary.”

A Norwich City spokesman said: “We can confirm that we are aware of the speculation but the club has not been contacted by the FA.”

A Derby County spokesman said: “We have had no contact with the FA on this or any other issue.”