League Two side Lincoln produced a memorable FA Cup run when they became the first non-league side in 103 years to reach the quarter-finals, but a year later, their fairytale journey has been tarnished slightly.
It has emerged that former defender Bradley Wood influenced a football betting market by earning two yellow cards during matches in the competition.
He picked up cards during matches against Ipswich in the third round of the cup and Burnley to reach the quarter-final stage and now he has faced the ultimate consequence.
Wood has been banned for a total of six years after the betting scandal and will return to football at the age of 31.
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He has also been fined £3,725 and ordered to pay costs of £1,550. It is believed that the potential winnings of the bets placed totalled approximately £10,000.
Linooln's chief executive Liam Scully released the following statement and revealed his shock when he found out about the allegations:
"This football club takes its own integrity, and the integrity of football as whole, extremely seriously so were shocked and saddened to be informed of the allegations." he said.
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"We acted quickly when we were first informed and have, at the request of the FA and for the sake of Bradley Wood, kept the allegations private until the matter was resolved."
"We wholeheartedly condemn any behaviour which could tarnish the reputation of football as a sport and have given the FA our complete support in conducting the investigation." Scully continued.
"It is important to note, however, that these charges relate to the individual actions of a single player and it is accepted by everyone that they played no part in the results of games.
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"We are relieved the matter has now been brought to a conclusion."
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