Cristian Montano Sacked by Oldham Athletic Over Football Corruption Arrest

League One club Oldham Athletic have sacked player Christian Montano following an internal probe into alleged corruption.

Club director Barry Owen said it was the "best decision for the club," after the 22-year-old was arrested and bailed for allegedly taking money from a betting ring to get himself booked during a game.

Colombian Montano, 22, had already been suspended without pay by The Latics, after being one of six players implicated in spot fixing allegations - betting on events within matches.

"It's been a very difficult time" said Owen. "We have had to consider the position of the club and the fans. The investigation itself had to be conducted and we believe it is the right decision for the club," reported MEN.

Police held six men, including Montano, after ex-Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje, 34, was filmed by the Sun on Sunday boasting he was paid £70,000 to get a red card during a game. Former Premier League striker D J Campbell was also among those arrested.

In a statement, the club said Montano had brought the club and football authorities into disrepute, which amounted to gross misconduct.

"Notwithstanding and without prejudice to the ongoing criminal investigation, it is our view that the player's conduct, in not only bringing the name of Oldham Athletic but also the football authorities into disrepute, amounts to very serious and therefore constitutes gross misconduct," read a statement on its website.

"Oldham Athletic take matters such as this extremely seriously and believe it was essential to act as swiftly as possible in conjunction with our legal advisers to investigate and deal with this matter decisively once they became aware of the allegations and irrespective of any other investigations and proceedings by other agencies."