John Sutton banned for six years
The World Professional
Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has reached its verdict regarding
John Sutton' situation and things aren't looking too great for the snooker
player as he got a six-year ban and has to pay £5,000, after being found guilty
of match-fixing.On 24th of September 2014 during the qualifying stages of the International Championship John Sutton lost 6-0 to Jamie Burnett, while suspicious betting patterns were reported.
This resulted in Sutton's suspension on February 9th 2015, while the WPBSA started a "thoroughly investigation into match betting patters" and in April he was found guilty to "be in breaks of rule 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 of the WBPSA's Members Rule".
At that particular time the WPBSA's Chairman Mr Jason Ferguson announced there will be another hearing as to establish what the sanction will be.
Today, the WPBSA's press release states that the 34-year old player from Ireland is banned for six years from the game of snooker and has to pay £5,000.
His suspension from playing snooker will be dated starting from February 9th 2015 (when he was first suspended pending the hearing of establishing a sanction) and will end on February 9th 2021.
Mr Jason Ferguson: “We take no pride in having to deal with such serious issues, however this demonstrates our commitment to ensuring ALL World Snooker events are competed in a fair and honest manner.
Working closely with our many international partners, the WPBSA has developed the strongest anti-corruption strategies available in sport today.
John Sutton was an amateur player, he does not a hold a main tour card and this case is evidence of the strong global governance we adopt in the sport of snooker.”
Sutton maintains his innocence and declare: "The only thing I am guilty of is being an ill-prepared amateur." for BBC Sport.
The Irishmen suspension is not a singular fact in the world of snooker, back in 2013 Stephen Lee getting an even harder sanction of 12 years, after being found guilty of match-fixing.
The WPBSA full statement regarding John Sutton can be read here.
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