Spurs’ reserve winger Andros Townsend has now commented on the FA’s fine and ban following a breach of betting regulations. While the suspension won’t affect any potential contributions in the Premier League, the player is currently reflecting on his misdemeanour while his national team mates compete for England at the Under 21 European Championships.
“When I spoke to the FA I was fully regretful and was ready to accept the deserved punishment,” Andros is quoted in The Sun. “Speaking honestly, there was never anything sinister going on.
The winger also confirmed that Spurs weren’t involved in any bets – either in a match situation or in their battle with Arsenal for that final Champions League place.
“There was no match-fixing, no betting on my team to lose, no inside information and I certainly never bet on Arsenal to finish higher than Spurs, as suggested by people on Twitter,” he added.
Townsend also acknowledged that his character has been damaged as a result of the incident.
“There is a stain on my reputation, and deservedly so, which means I now must show everyone it was a mistake and I’ve learned from it.”
After impressing on loan at QPR last season, 2013-14 was set to be a breakthrough campaign for Andros – either at White Hart Lane or somewhere else. If other clubs are put off by this outcome, perhaps the only choice is to remain at Spurs and somehow become established as a regular member of the first team squad.
