Joe Jogia speaks up against WPBSA ban – Snooker Update
Following a probe on the suspicious betting patterns between the 2012 Snooker Shootout match between the World Number 47, Joe Jogia and Matthew Selt the snooker governing organisation around the globe, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
(WPBSA) has banned the Englishman, Jogia until the finish of 2013-14 Snooker Season and he will not be able to play any snooker event.
The investigation found out that the reported large number of small bets was actually placed on the match against Jogia’s defeat. Jogia did not take part in the match due to an injury which gave rise to the questions about doubtful betting.
The inquiry committee also found that two of the persons who placed bets on Jogia’s defeat were in contact with him and had conversations on the phone and via text messages.
Meanwhile, the English potter, when he was suspended from the game before the start of the investigation, did not take it easy and accused World Snooker of racism saying that the association is making him a scapegoat to save major names.
This time as well, Jogia did not take the decision lightly and responded with harsh words about the association. He believes that he is not guilty at all because he did not play the match and the association is saving major names behind this case.
While speaking to the local media, Jogia said, “I'm going to go and tell my stories now, about people on the tour and what they get up to. I've done nothing wrong, I didn't even play the match, it's shocking.”
He added, “With everything that's going on in snooker - the corruption - they couldn't take it out on the top boys because of where they are in the world but I've done nothing wrong and all of a sudden they take it out on me.”
Along with the ban, he was also fined £2,000 as the charges of hearing the case. It is quite clear that the English cueman is not happy with the proceedings of the case and might file an appeal against it. It will be interesting to see if the moves made
by the WPBSA are enough to ensure that corruption and scandal remain out of the sport of snooker.
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