Gardaí investigating after League of Ireland player reports attempted fix

Gardaí are investigating an allegation of attempting bribery and spot-fixing relating to a League of Ireland fixture.

The League confirmed on Thursday night that a current player reported an approach to participate in spot-fixing. The player rejected the offer and reported the matter to An Garda Síochána, who are now investigating.

Spot-fixing typically involves a gambling operation where wagers are made based on participants influencing a fixture in a pre-agreed way. Rather than influence the result or score of a game, spot fixing sometimes involves the manipulation of events such as yellow cards or set pieces. 

The League's statement read: "The League of Ireland can confirm it is aware of an An Garda Síochána operation involving a member of the public after a player in the League of Ireland was allegedly approached and immediately rejected an offer to participate in spot fixing.  

"We would like to thank and praise the player who immediately reported the incident in accordance with the integrity workshops delivered by the FAI to every team in advance of the each season. We would also like to thank the PFA Ireland, the player's Club and An Garda Síochána for their assistance on the matter."

On Friday morning, players' union PFA Ireland commended the player at the centre of the episode, highlighting the educational work the union has done with players in recent seasons.

The statement read: "The player at the centre of this situation was approached in relation to spot fixing in a match and reported it immediately to PFA Ireland, the FAI and An Garda Síochána. There is no concern related to his involvement in any spot fixing or match fixing and we commend him on his actions in this regard. His response in this situation