Dempsey's suspension reduced

St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Gary Dempsey has had his suspension for betting on one of his club's matches last season reduced by an FAI appeals tribunal.

The player had been ordered to serve a five-match ban from the start of the 2009 season as punishment for breaking FAI rules by placing a €20 bet on Galway United to beat St Pat's last season. Dempsey didn't play in the game and was found to have made no attempt to influence its outcome.

The midfielder will now serve just a two match ban. St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Gary Dempsey has welcomed the decision of the FAI Appeal Committee against the five match ban handed down for a bet placed on the St Patrick’s Athletic match against Galway on 20 October last. Dempsey was not playing in the match and watched it from the stands. He placed a €20 losing double bet on that match and an English league fixture. Dempsey was delighted with the outcome of the appeal. He said: “I’m pleased that the FAI have recognised the trivial nature of the allegation made against me. I was very disappointed that I was not informed of the original hearing and that I didn’t get a chance to defend myself. I think if I’d had that opportunity, the original ban would not have been so severe. When the committee heard my side of the story, they were satisfied that while it was inadvisable for me to place the bet, it was not a serious matter and that the length of the ban was out of proportion with the offence. I have apologised to my club and team mates for my actions. I hope that this matter is now finished and I can concentrate on getting back to playing football.” PFAI General Secretary Stephen McGuinness added: “We are pleased that this unfortunate incident is at an end but we hope that in the future, players will be notified individually of any FAI hearings and given an opportunity to put their case forward.”