HE’S been not only national but international news but Sutton United keeper Wayne Shaw is now searching for alternative employment after leaving the National League club.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 48 hours, you’ll know that Shaw was caught eating a pie (or was it a pasty?) live on BBC in the second half of Monday night’s game against Arsenal.
Granted, the U’s were all but out of the tie and had used their three substitutes but Shaw’s antics gained a huge reaction online.
While some saw the stunt as a bit of a laugh, others suggest ulterior motives for the decision to enjoy a second-half snack next to the home dugout.
SunBets, who sponsored Sutton for the game, had offered odds of 8/1 that Shaw would be caught eating a pie on camera during the game. Just a coincidence?
Unfortunately for the U’s, their brilliant performance against Premier League giants Arsenal was somewhat overshadowed by what has been dubbed as ‘Piegate’.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed Shaw has been asked for his resignation. The veteran stopper fell on his sword, or should that be pie/pasty, and agreed to step down.
Shaw, a well liked part of the Sutton machine who also served as keeper coach, has left on a sour note but U’s boss Paul Doswell admits the club had to solve things quickly.
“It’s been very disappointing, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “I woke up to this storm of criticism and it’s something we’ve dealt with quickly as a club.
“Wayne has offered his resignation to the chairman (Bruce Elliott) and that’s been accepted. It’s a very sad end to what was a very good story.”
The Football Association and Gambling Commission have been in touch with the club as they investigate whether Shaw broke any betting regulations.
Shaw, who appeared on Good Morning Britain, said: “I think there were a few people [who put a bet on]. Obviously we [Sutton’s players] are not allowed to bet. I think a few of the mates and a few of the fans.
“It was just a bit of banter for them. It is something to make the occasion as well and you can look back and say it was part of it and we got our ticket money back.”
