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MPs in match-fix row
Derby chairman Adam Pearson has slammed two Norfolk MPs for revealing his club and Norwich are at the centre of an FA investigation into match-fixing.
The club were named by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham as one of the two being probed [>
in response to parliamentary questions from Ian Gibson and Norman Lamb yesterday. [>
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But it left Pearson furious at the actions of the two MPs and insisting he would be “amazed” if any impropriety could be attached to his club. [>
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“They have obviously got a political agenda they want to stoke up here with Norwich and unfortunately Derby are being dragged into it as well,” said Pearson. “They should leave [>
They should leave football to the FA and the Football League
football to the FA and the Football League.” The FA are looking into a Championship match earlier this month at Carrow Road, which Derby won 2-1 despite having goalkeeper Roy Carroll sent off. [>
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Concerns had mounted after suspicious betting patterns emerged, with bookmakers reporting a “massive movement” in bets in the Far East during the game. [>
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However, Pearson maintained he would be “amazed” if the investigation exposed any wrongdoing and accused the two MPs – both Norwich season-ticket holders – of stirring up trouble for their own political ends. [>
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“An investigation carries no qualms or fears for us whatsoever,” he said. [>