Monaghan United manager Roddy Collins threatens to report players to the police if allegations of betting irregularities in Shelbourne game prove true

6 May 2012 12:00:00

Mons boss pulled no punches after Friday night's contest with Shels was dominated by allegations of an alleged betting scandal

Roddy Collins has warned his players they will face the strongest possible punishment if allegations of their alleged involvement in a betting scandal in the Shelbourne - Monaghan game last Friday are proved to be true.

The match, which finished 2-1 to Shelbourne, was dominated by allegations of irregular betting patterns on the game. It is understood that there were a number of large bets placed on the likelihood of a penalty being awarded in the game and that both managers were told in advance by Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin of the unusual betting patterns.

Collins told ExtraTime.ie: "I knew before the game. One of the players had a text from his girlfriend saying that there was irregular betting on a penalty. But I didn’t know."

He added that the player's girlfriend worked in a bookmakers and told his players about the issue before the game started. Collins warned his team that anybody who was involved with the alleged scandal would face dire consequences.

“If anyone ever tried to get involved in something like that I’d bring them straight to a police station and I’d make sure they never kicked a ball again because that for me is the lowest of the low," said Collins.

The former Bohemians manager added: “If it is the truth I will be absolutely sick to the pit of my stomach. You don’t want to hear about it in the League.”

Shels won the game 2-1 with goals from Paddy Kavanagh and David Cassidy after Monaghan took an early lead with a Willo McDonagh penalty.

No formal investigation has yet been opened on the allegations which overshadowed the contest between the two newly promoted clubs.

Collins added: “I think it’s something that has to be investigated before you could make a public statement."