Former Yeovil Town player Jordan Barnett has been given a six-week ban from football and fined after admitting he had been “stupid” in placing bets on football matches.
The 22-year-old, who was one of five players released earlier this month, attended a disciplinary hearing with the Football Association where it was heard he placed 138 bets worth a total of £1,366 over four separate seasons.
He is now receiving help from Sporting Chance, the addiction clinic set up by former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams, Barnett used a statement from them in the hearing which said he was showing “marked improvement.”
Barnett’s charge included 32 bets in competitions which the team he was playing competed in, however, the only bet involving a team he played for was a £5 wager on Barnsley to win a match which the player was not involved in.
In the minutes of the hearing, the FA says that Barnett was made aware of the breaches in July 2019 when he was a Barnsley player and went on to make a further 22 bets after this.
When asked why he continued to make bets, he said: “I guess I was not thinking straight and just being stupid, just placing an accumulator bets, single bets, just not thinking what could…..the disciplinaries, what could happen (it was) just stupid of me, really.”
The Commission’s report adds that the player apologised and fully co-operated with the FA’s investigation and gave “candid and complete answers during the interview process.”
It added: “The player expressed that he has struggled with gambling addiction and continues to seek help.
“He submitted a statement from Sporting Chance who remarked positively on the player and his desire to overcome his addiction. It was said the player was showing marked improvement.”
There is no reference to Yeovil Town at any point in the report.
The Commission’s report concludes that it “did not consider that the integrity of the game was at risk in this matter.”
It added: “The Commission concluded that a reasonable and proportionate fine shall be in the sum of £1,500 with s six-week suspension from football being appropriate.”
From us here at the Gloverscast – and we are sure we speak for all Yeovil Town fans – we would like to wish Jordan well with his treatment and his search for a new club.
He represented us with great passion and commitment and the clear contrition he has shown in his evidence has been noted by the commission.
Anyone who thinks they need to consider their gambling habits or wants to learn more, please visit www.begambleaware.org or call 0808 8020 133.