FA and Crime Agency investigations done as Leeds United and Arsenal news drops today
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation into potential betting irregularities in a game against Leeds United back in December 2021, as reported in the Daily Mail [20 May, Page 113].
The probe related to a yellow card picked up by Xhaka in the late stages of the 4-1 Premier League victory for the Gunners.
However, detailed inquiries from the authorities have established that there is no case to be answered regarding the incident.
The full background to the story was provided in the Mail report, almost a year and a half after the game took place.
“Granit Xhaka has been cleared of any involvement in a possible betting scam following the yellow card he received in Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Leeds 17 months ago,” it said.
“Multiple investigations into the matter have finally concluded there is no case to answer for the Switzerland midfielder.
“The FA, Gambling Commission and the National Crime Agency have all closed their investigations into suspicious betting patterns surrounding the booking which included one bet of £52,000 being placed on Xhaka to receive a yellow card in the final 10 minutes of the game in December 2021.”
Nothing but circumstance
Leeds may have been the opponent and the host relating to the game in which this incident took place, but there is nothing else that connects the Whites or anyone at Elland Road to this investigation.
It is clear to see why the probe took place, as such betting patterns are regularly monitored but at this stage, it appears to be the end of the matter.
As for Xhaka, he seems to be on his way out of the North London club at the end of the season.
The midfielder is closing in on a return to the Bundesliga where he will join up with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen as he seeks a new challenge, having previously starred for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The 30-year-old has thrived under Mikel Arteta, having been deployed in a more attacking role that has produced a return of seven goals and seven assists across all competitions this season.
In other Leeds news, Karen Carney has her say on the Whites’ relegation prospects as she issues a damning verdict on Sam Allardyce’s men after what she saw recently.