Tottenham Winger Handed Four-Month Ban For Betting Breach

Tottenham winger Andros Townsend was handed a four-month ban for breaching Football Association betting rules.

The 21 year old was also slapped with an £18,000 ($27,500) fine as a result of his misconduct.

Three months of his total ban has been suspended until July 1, 2016 but will be invoked right away if there is any sort of betting offence.

The FA released a statement regarding Townsend’s punishment earlier on Tuesday.

“Tottenham’s Andros Townsend was suspended from all football and football related activity for a period of four months, subject to any appeal, backdated to May 23 when the player voluntarily withdrew from the England Under-21 squad.

“Townsend, who was also fined £18,000, was charged for breaches of FA Rule E8(b) for misconduct in relation to betting, which he admitted and requested a personal hearing.”

Townsend spent the the last six months of the season on loan at Queens Park Rangers where he made 12 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals in the process.

Townsend revealed that he would not contest the FA’s decision and was eager to put the episode behind him.

“Following a personal hearing at the FA and the statement issued today, I fully accept the disciplinary action and will not be appealing.

“This has been a regrettable experience from which I fully intend to come back stronger. I’m fully focused on returning to football during pre-season and determined for this indiscretion not to tarnish my career moving forward.”

Townsend will miss the Under-21 European Championship in Israel in June but is eligible to train with Tottenham in pre-season and will be available for selection at the beginning of the Premier League campaign.

Townsend has spent his entire youth career at Spurs and has made five appearances for the senior squad since 2009.

Can Townsend bounce back from this misstep and enjoy a stellar career after the Tottenham winger was handed a four-month ban?

[Image via The Sun]