Wrexham defender Tom O’Connor has been fined £4,200 after admitting he breached FA betting rules
Wrexham defender Tom O’Connor has been slapped with a £4,200 fine after confessing to breaching betting regulations earlier in his career. The Football Association revealed that O’Connor, currently on loan at Peterborough United from the Red Dragons, made 16 bets on football matches between April 2017 and May 2021.
An independent regulatory commission determined these bets violated FA Rule E8, which prohibits players from gambling on football. Five of these bets involved competitions featuring his own club at the time.
The 26-year-old immediately admitted to the charges and did not dispute the case. Upon examining the evidence, an FA panel opted to impose a £4,200 fine and issue a formal warning.
The Irish player will not be subjected to a ban or any on-field penalties. In its written verdict, the commission deemed the punishment “fair and proportionate”, adding that O’Connor’s conduct “does not warrant a sporting sanction”.
The infractions trace back to his days as a young player with Southampton and later Gillingham. As per the FA document, the total sum wagered across all 16 bets was £147.66, resulting in an overall loss of £73.66.
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In a written statement, O’Connor expressed regret to the FA, acknowledging he was aware of the rules but had acted in a “naive and stupid” manner. He described the bets as small-stake “honest punts” made out of boredom, assuring none were influenced by insider information.
He also informed the commission he hasn’t gambled on football since May 2021 and has no plans to do so in the future. One wager was placed on his own team as part of a £1.11 accumulator shortly after he turned 18.
The breach was considered an aggravating factor, though it was understood to be a bet backing his side to win. O’Connor has been a key player for Wrexham since arriving from Burton Albion for an undisclosed sum in January 2022.
He has featured 115 times across all competitions and has been a consistent presence in both defence and midfield. He contributed to one of the most triumphant periods in the club’s recent history, helping Wrexham secure three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship.
O’Connor was loaned out to League One side Peterborough United to get more playing time back in September.
At the time, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said: “I’d like to wish Tommy all the best for his loan move. He’s been great for us in his time here and I’m sure he’s going to be a terrific addition for the [Peterborough] squad.”
The FA confirmed no costs were pursued against O’Connor regarding his case, which is now concluded, subject to appeal regulations.
