LONDON — The English Football Association is investigating suspicious betting patterns in relation to league games in the country's sixth tier. The FA said it is contacting all 22 clubs in the Football Conference South “to advise them immediately (of) our concern about this suspicious betting activity.” “The FA and the Gambling Commission have become aware of suspicious betting activity on a number of matches played in the Football Conference South,” the FA said in a statement. “Following recent communications with the Gambling Commission, The FA, in conjunction with the Football Conference, is contacting all clubs playing in the Football Conference South to advise them immediately or our concern about this suspicious betting activity. “Clubs have also been asked to remind their players and officials of their responsibilities under the betting and integrity rules of The FA. Anyone with any information regarding possible breaches of these rules has been advised to come forward to The FA or to the Gambling Commission.” Southampton fined $30,300 Southampton has been fined 20,000 pounds ($30,300) after admitting a charge of failing to control its players when a penalty decision went against it, the FA said Friday. Southampton players mobbed referee Mark Clattenburg when he pointed to the spot in the third minute of stoppage time of its 0-0 draw at Norwich City last weekend. — Agencies
