The betting scandal that shocked the A-League has ruined the Bulls’ most successful season yet

Macarthur found a new level on the pitch this season, returning to finals, but off the pitch it’s as worse as it’s ever been. ERIN SMITH takes a look into the Bull’s short A-League history.

From wooden spooners to finals contenders – Macarthur FC found a new level this year on and off the field but the alleged betting scandal involving at least three of its players could have a lasting impact.

The youngest club in the A-League Men’s competition is now at the centre of one of the biggest betting scandals in Australian football.

There is no allegation that Macarthur FC had any knowledge or involvement in the scandal.

Captain Ulesis Davila, Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis have all been arrested after their alleged involvement in the international scam that required them to earn yellow cards at certain points in specific matches this season.

A statement issued by the club on Friday morning said they were limited in what it could say due to the ongoing police investigation.

“The club is shocked and aware of the arrests of three A-League players by NSW Police as a result of international law enforcement co-ordination focused on betting corruption related to alleged yellow card manipulation in games,” the statement read.

“Integrity of our game is a foundation pillar and we will work closely with all relevant agencies on this matter. The club will make further comment if and when is required.”

9 December 2023, a yellow card is given to Clayton Lewis. Source: Paramount Plus

Fans have been left outraged. A spokesperson from the Macarthur Bulls Support Group, an unofficial fan group with almost 3000 members, said they were “heartbroken” by the allegations.

“We fear this could also affect the integrity of appeal to young fans in general as we can understandably foresee parents not wanting their kids to look up to the players as role models,” the spokesman said.

“Overall we are absolutely disappointed in the news today and demand better for our local communities representation in the domestic level of the sport we love.”

The southwestern Sydney club joined the A-League’s for the 2020/21 season and has struggled to find a foothold in the nation’s top-flight men’s football competition.

It had a rocky start with their CEO a major backer and their chairman all stepping down in early 2020.

Club co-founder Gino Marra stepped up as chairman and was recently appointed to the Australian Professional Leagues board.

They played finals in their first season – knocked out in the semi-final by eventual champions Melbourne City.

Kearyn Baccusis one of the accused. Picture: Getty Images

But they missed out the following year finishing seventh and then slipped to 12th last season with just seven wins from 26 games.

This year had a different feel, they won 11 of their 27 matches – finishing fifth on equal points with rivals Sydney FC.

The Sky Blues got the better of them in the elimination final though thumping them 4-0 and putting an end to their season.

Their results on the pitch had seen interest in the club grow with fan numbers increasing to an average of 4161 at a game at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

It still put them at the bottom of the pecking order in terms of crowd attendances but it was an increase on the 3488 they averaged in their opening season.

It’s been a tough year off the field for the A-League, with the APL that runs the game crippled by financial strife that has left question marks over the future funding for clubs next season.Instead of football celebrating two sold out semi-finals on Saturday, the A-League is mired in a match-fixing crisis that’s left another black mark against the name of football in Australia.

Originally published as The betting scandal that shocked the A-League has ruined the Bulls’ most successful season yet