I am sure like me, many of you were surprised when you saw the result of Wednesday’s Champions League match between French side Olympique Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia.
However, it is now emerging that Olympique Lyon’s 7-1 drubbing of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday could have been as a result of a betting scandal.
UEFA are said to be investigating the matter but intial reports have not shown any irregular betting patterns. In the other Group D fixture between Real Madrid and Ajax in Netherlands, the hosts saw two of their goals controversially ruled out raising fears that the matches had been fixed.
Ajax coach Frank De Boer called for investigations to be done if indeed there was reason for alarm.
“If there was something unusual, UEFA should investigate what happened in Zagreb,” De Boer said.
“My assistants have told me that the goals came quick and easy, because you can’t normally score these goals in half an hour.
“Destiny was in our own hands and we had chances to qualify because our game was very even. I will have to see video replays (of the disallowed goals).”
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb coach Krunoslav Jurcic was immediately sacked following their humiliating home loss to Lyon. Although leading their league with 42 points from 17 matches, the Wednesday night loss proved unbearable for the club.
Speaking to UEFA Zagreb Vice President Zdravko Mamic said that changes were necessary if the club wanted to end the season on a high.
“It was a very difficult time for our club during this match and this was definitely not the way we wanted to end the season in the Champions League.
“The club’s executive board asked for an urgent meeting after the match and unanimously it was decided that the club would terminate the contract with coach Krunoslav Jurcic.
“I really didn’t imagine before the match that we would end it with a coaching change.”
As things stand, Lyon qualify for the knockout stages and Ajax and Zagreb can be left pondering their next moves .
Photo Credit © uskup