Footballer Barton charged over betting offences

Former England international footballer Joey Barton has been charged with breaching rules regarding betting on matches.

Last month, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) accused Barton, who plays for Scottish Premiership club Rangers, of placing 44 bets between July 1 and September 15 this year.

SFA rules prohibit players, coaches, club officials and referees in Scotland from wagering on football matches anywhere in the world.

Barton, who is due to return from a club ban next week after a separate, internal issue, is said to have gambled on arch rival Celtic’s 7-0 defeat by Spanish club Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League European competition.

The midfielder has until October 12 to respond to the charges, with a hearing date set for October 27.

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