LONDON: Cristian Montano, one of the footballer arrested on allegations of involvement with an English football betting scam, is also facing a rape trial.

The 22-year-old Colombian winger faces claims that he tried to incur a yellow card for cash during a game against Wolves in October. He has been dismissed by lower-division Oldham Athletic for disciplinary issues which the League One club said were “irrespective of other proceedings”.

Local media have reported that he also faces accusations of attacking a woman in July 2012.

A club statement read: “After a thorough investigation carried out by Oldham Athletic Football Cub relating to the conduct of Cristian Montano and following lengthy discussions with our team of legal advisers at CM solicitors, a decision has been made by the club’s board to dismiss the player forthwith.

“Notwithstanding and without prejudice to the ongoing criminal investigation, it is our view that the player’s conduct, in not only bringing the name of Oldham Athletic but also the football authorities into disrepute, amounts to very serious and therefore constitutes gross misconduct.

“Oldham Athletic take matters such as this extremely seriously and believe it was essential to act as swiftly as possible in conjunction with our legal advisers to investigate and deal with this matter decisively once they became aware of the allegations and irrespective of any other investigations and proceedings by other agencies.

“The club will not be making any further statements, or taking further questions after this morning.”

At Redbridge magistrates court Montano, of Blackley, Gtr Manchester, and two other men – Camilo Valencia, 22, of Hackney, East London, and Andres Hurtado, 23, of, Upper Holloway, North London – denied the alleged rape in Romford, North East London.

Their Snaresbrook crown court trial is in March.

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