Two Australian football players have been charged with betting corruption after allegedly rigging yellow card bookings during A-League matches.
Riku Danzaki, a former Western United midfielder, is accused of deliberately committing fouls to receive yellow cards he had bet on. Police allege the 25-year-old placed a $250 bet at 6.50-to-1 odds that he would be booked during a match against Sydney FC in April, then made a “dangerous tackle” that earned him the yellow card.
A second player, Yuta Hirayama, faces charges for allegedly using inside information to bet on Danzaki receiving cards. The 27-year-old striker is accused of placing 11 bets totalling $3,566.67 across three Western United matches, with potential winnings of more than $17,000.
Multiple Match Allegations
Court documents reveal Danzaki faces 10 charges including four counts of engaging in corrupt betting conduct. Police allege he successfully received yellow cards on two occasions and attempted but failed to get booked in another match on 3 May.
The charges also include an alleged attempt to place a $1,000 bet at 4.25-to-1 odds for receiving a yellow card during a 22 May match against Melbourne City.
Hirayama, who played for Bayside Argonauts last season after stints with Queensland clubs, faces 16 charges. Police allege his bets covered matches on 27 April, 4 May and 9 May.
Court Appearances
Both players appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. Danzaki, who scored six goals and made 10 assists in 49 games for Western United, used a Japanese interpreter and did not enter a plea.
Hirayama’s lawyers indicated the matter had been resolved with a plea, but Magistrate Tara Hartnett adjourned both cases until 13 August due to a busy caseload.
The case is scheduled for a two-hour hearing, with police evidence spanning two pages.
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