Sutton Goalkeeper Wayne Shaw Resigns After Potential Gambling Breach

Sutton United reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw resigned after it emerged he is being investigated by the Football Association and the Gambling Commission for a possible breach of gambling rules after eating a pie during the club's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Monday. 

Manager Paul Doswell confirmed Shaw's resignation to Sky News (h/t BBC Sport):

"

It's been very disappointing. I woke up this morning to this storm of criticism. It's something we've dealt with quickly at the club. Wayne himself has offered his resignation to the chairman this afternoon and that's been accepted. It's a very sad end to what was a good story.

"

BBC Sport first reported word of the investigation after the goalkeeper was pictured eating the pie in the 83rd minute of the match. Sun Bets had offered odds on such an occurrence:

"

COST US A BELLY FULL: We've paid out a five-figure sum after @WayneShaw70 finishes his pie with glory! #YouBetcha #FACup pic.twitter.com/XrBCL3psOZ

— Sun Bets (@SunBets) February 20, 2017"

Shaw said, per Sam Cunningham and Oliver Todd of the MailOnline, that he and Sutton's players did not bet on it themselves: "Obviously we are not allowed to bet. I think a few mates and a few of the fans [placed bets]."

The reserve goalkeeper said he was made aware of the promotion earlier in the day, and he said to those who told him that he "might give it a go later on."

He decided during the match to go ahead with it: "I thought I would give them a bit of banter and let's do it. All the subs were on and we were 2-0 down."

Shaw explained himself further to ITV News Meridian:

Per BBC Sport, Doswell commented on it after the match, saying, "I don't think it shows us in the best light."

Meanwhile, club chairman Bruce Elliott told BBC Radio 5 live "we will soon bring him back down to earth."

Club staff—including players and coaches—and match officials are forbidden from placing any football-related bets after a global ban was introduced in 2014 nor are they allowed to relay any "inside information" that others can use for gambling.

Despite not making it onto the pitch, the 46-year-old was a busy man during the match, as shown by BBC Sport's Chris Slegg:

Shaw first caught the media's attention earlier in the competition when Sutton shocked Leeds United in the fourth round.

On Tuesday morning, after the Arsenal match, he appeared on Good Morning Britain in an interview with Piers Morgan.

The goalkeeper has also been given a rather unusual offer in recent weeks:

Not everyone has been as entertained by the stopper, though, including ESPN's Alex Shaw:

The Guardian's Barney Ronay came at the situation from a different angle:

Arsenal beat the non-league side thanks to goals from Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott. With the side out of the FA Cup, Sutton's focus will return to the National League where they take on Torquay on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Gunners will face Lincoln City in the quarter-final of the competition after they stunned Burnley at Turf Moor.