MPs raise 'match-fixing' questions

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It emerged at the weekend that a Championship match was being investigated by the Football Association, amid claims of suspicious bets being laid as the game was played.

And on Wednesday night, two Norfolk MPs put down questions to Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, demanding to know what discussions had been held with the FA to clear the matter up.

Norman Lamb, the MP for Norfolk North, told the Press Association that the allegations related to unusual patterns of online betting in Asia during the course of the October 4 match at Norwich's Carrow Road, which Derby won 2-1.

He said he did not know whether there was any foundation to the allegations or exactly what outcome the bets were riding on, but said that the matter should be cleared up quickly to remove the shadow of suspicion over the two clubs.

"I am calling on the FA and the sports minister (Gerry Sutcliffe) to make an urgent statement today (Thursday) to confirm exactly what is known and what is happening in terms of the investigation," said Mr Lamb, a Norwich fan and season-ticket holder.

"I want confirmation that it is being treated with the utmost seriousness because it goes to the heart of the integrity of the game.

"None of these allegations may have any foundation, but it is deeply troubling for the clubs involved. Nobody wants a smear hanging over them. It needs to be cleared up."

Norwich North MP Ian Gibson has also tabled a question to Mr Burnham, asking "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".

An FA spokesman confirmed this was the game they were investigating and said: "We are investigating the reports about this game but we have no further comment to make at this stage."