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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, told Sky Sports News HQ: “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.”
Watch the video here
via skysports.com