Sodje opens up on match-fixing

Sam Sodje has spoken for the first time since having match-fixing charges against him dropped, insisting he was the victim of entrapment.

The former Portsmouth defender was the subject of a tabloid sting, which accused him of getting himself sent off on purpose in exchange for money.

Sodje was red-carded in the 50th minute of a League One match while playing for Portsmouth against Oldham on February 23, 2013, after appearing to land a low blow on Lee Barnard.

Sodje, who denies any involvement in corruption, said: “I have never been involved in match-fixing.

“I have never had a bet in my life, not even a £1 bet.

“People who know me were just as shocked as me.

“It is easier for me to explain now because I could not do it before.

“What could I say?

“They had tapes, they had the papers saying things, but now I can come out and tell you the truth and say to you ‘it is simply not true’.”

Regarding the sending-off at Oldham, which was at the centre of the allegations, Sodje said: “You can look back over my career and I did some silly things but that was just a sending off.

“I was tricked.

“I was entrapped by this gentleman and he had no reason to do it.

“Why did he do it?

“Why me?

“I wish it could have been different.”