Close denies placing bet

Close, who took part in the game versus Dergview, said he failed to see where the evidence was against him.

“Without a shadow of a doubt I feel that I am being wrongly accused for something that I strongly refute,” he stated.

“My younger brother placed a bet on this game but that’s something that’s beyond my control. This was a bet made on his own online bookmaker’s account and again something I have no control over.

“The reason they have given is that it was on a computer that I have used in the past to place a few bets. However it’s a family laptop, one that my mother and father have access to, and there was no betting activity on my online account.”

Close was also quick to point out that he didn’t even know that there was a bet placed with him first being aware when he got a call from the club.

“I had no knowledge of any bet that was placed because my brother had never even said anything to me.

“I only found out the details of what bet was placed and how much was placed on the result of the bet.

“I am a little disappointed because the club has now suspended me for the remainder of the season...but I suppose that they also have to keep themselves right.

“It’s not a good situation to be honest and I’m annoyed that I have been accused over something that I didn’t do.

“I believe there will be a meeting this week at some stage with the IFA and I will be stating my case very strongly.”

The former Tobermore United player also stated that he was prepared to fight the charges all the way; however he did admit he was also unsure on the league’s betting regulations.

“To be totally honest I didn’t really know the regulations when it comes to betting in the Irish League.

“I think that there are plenty of all players in this league, and others, who are in the same position.

“That being said I’m prepared to fight this all the way and I will be speaking to a solicitor about this.

“If I receive a ban from playing football then that’s my career over; I’m nearly thirty now and unlikely to play much after that.

“I think a good solicitor will prove the fact that this had nothing to do with me and was down to my younger brother using a laptop that I have used in the past.

“I’m confident that when all’s said and done that the truth will come out,” concluded Close.