Ander Herrera Issues Denial Amid Spanish Match-Fixing Allegations

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has moved quickly to stress his innocence in an alleged match-fixing scandal case which took place in La Liga in 2010-11.

Continue for updates.

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Herrara Clarifies Role in Match-Fixing Investigation

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Herrera posted the following statement on Facebook, insisting he is only involved in the match-fixing investigation as a witness:

"

In an on-going legal process involving Real Zaragoza (Spain), the club I was honoured to play from 12 until 22 years of age, there are 41 people cited as possible witnesses, of which I am one.
I have never had and will never have anything to do with manipulating match results.
If I am ever called to testify in any judicial hearing, I’ll be happy to attend, as my conscience is totally clear.
I love football and I believe in fair play, both on and off the pitch.

"

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Herrara Named in Spanish Match-Fixing Scandal

Monday, Dec. 15

Sky Sports reports that Herrera has been cited in a list that includes Japan coach Javier Aguirre and Atletico Madrid's Gabi, who captains the current Spanish champions. The Guardian, via Reuters, stated 41 people were named in the scandal. 

The match in question was a tie between Real Zaragoza and Levante on the final day of the 2010-11 La Liga season, per Sky Sports.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Both Herrera and Gabi were playing for Zaragoza at the time and were managed by Aguirre.

Zaragoza won the away fixture on the day, ensuring they avoided relegation to the lower tier. Charges have now been filed in Valencia regarding the match—with prosecutors claiming the Levante team were paid to throw the game and lose.

Herrera left Zaragoza soon after this to join his home-town club, Athletic Bilbao—whom he stayed with until joining the Red Devils last summer.

The midfielder has had contrasting success at United and has struggled to get back into Louis van Gaal's starting XI after a recent rib injury sidelined him.

The 25-year-old has made nine appearances in the Premier League, scoring three times and providing three assists, per WhoScored.com.