TORQUAY United defender Austen Booth says he is “absolutely gutted” after being hit with a nine-month playing ban for breaching betting rules.
The ban was imposed following a FA Regulatory Commission disciplinary hearing on Thursday in respect of 289 bets placed on football matches between August 5, 2017 and July 7, 2021.
Admitting all charges, the 26-year-old has been prohibited from engaging in football or football related activity until May 2025.
The former Truro City and Taunton Town player said on X: “I am absolutely gutted with today’s news, a tough one to take and anyone who knows me will know exactly how I will be feeling.
“I massively appreciate all the kind words I have read, and thank the club for the support throughout the process. Just to be clear, there are no issues on my behalf with gambling and this is something that has happened a long time ago.
“It’s back to being a fan for a little while, and focusing on the positive new era of our football club.”
A club statement read: “The club is very disappointed to lose the services of Austen, but acknowledges the FA’s judgement and ban imposed on our player.
“All employees of football clubs should be aware that placing bets on football is strictly prohibited. We have reiterated this to everyone at Torquay United in light of this case and reminded them of their obligations to adhere to FA rules.
“Torquay United feels that the football system needs to do better to educate both clubs and especially young players who are coming through the non-professional and semi-professional ranks.
“We applaud Austen’s desire to deliver a seminar to our Under-18s academy team to educate young players around the issue of football betting.”
