Lundekvam had said his Southampton clique had “for a while” bet on incidents like first throw-in “almost every week”.

He clarified it was for a short time, probably during the 1996-1997 season.

But he is adamant they staked up to £2,000 a time on a handful of games and that players from other clubs were in on the scams and were involved in their own spot-fixing.

“We needed a little bit of help from the opposition. Normally it was just the first throw-in so we booted it out. I know for a fact that there were other teams that did the same,” said Lundekvam.

Some of Lundekvam’s former Southampton fans insisted they knew nothing about the scam.

Former striker David Hirst said: “I have never been involved in anything like that at any club and I have never heard of players doing it anywhere.”

Francis Benali, another former Saints skipper, even hinted Lundekvam had made up the story following his problems with drink and drugs after his career ended. 

But Lundekvam, 39, said: “I understand that players who I played with say they never saw it and maybe they didn’t. That’s fine.

“But I haven’t made anything up. Why would I? I’ve got nothing to gain from making this up.

“I can’t believe what has happened in the last few days. I’m sorry that my honesty has caused such a row.”


- mD