The world of Italian football is once again overwhelmed by suspicions of betting illegal, fueled by a series of episodes that the sports justice system is examining carefully. Recently, four players were reported for having bet on matches in Italy and abroad, but the attention of the Prosecutor's Office has now focused on a specific episode: the suspicious expulsion of a player from the bench.
The Prosecutor's Office led by Giuseppe Chiné has detected an anomalous flow of bets registered in a betting shop in Bari, regarding the expulsion of Bari midfielder Nicola BellomoThe episode occurred during the Ternana-Bari match on May 23, valid for the playout of Serie B. Half an hour into the second half, Bellomo was sent off following an argument with a ball boy. This event raised suspicions since bets on a 'red' for Bellomo, paid 24 times the stake, were placed a few hours before the match.
The sports judge ordered a one-match ban and a five thousand euro fine for Bellomo, accused of intimidating the ball boy. This particular case raised further doubts since the expulsion occurred when the result was already in the bag, with Bari leading 3-0.
The timing of the referral of four players to the National Federal Tribunal-disciplinary section has prompted Lega Serie B to reaffirm its commitment to fighting illegal betting. Christian Diego Pastina, Francesco Forte, Gaetano Letizia and Enrico Brignola have been accused of betting on official matches in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
The League has highlighted its collaboration with sports justice and the operational support of the Sports Betting Information Unit and the Sports Betting Investigation Group, established by the Ministry of the Interior. It has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the fight against crimes that threaten the credibility of the championship, confirming its constitution as a civil party in any proceedings relating to this type of crime.
Article published on May 30, 2024 - 20:22 pm
