A number of Leeds United fans have been discussing Jordan Steven’s situation after his six-week ban for betting offences came to an end, but not all of the Elland Road faithful agree that the youngster was hard done by.
Stevens was banned from all football-related activity in September for a period of six-weeks after he admitted a charge of placing 59 bets last season, including five on fixtures that involved Leeds (BBC).
The 19-year-old did not feature in any of the games which he placed bets on, but an independent commission felt that two of the five where he backed both teams to score were the most serious.
Those two incidents could have led to a maximum penalty of 12-months.
The independent commission also felt Stevens showed a “wilful disregard for the rules” relating to gambling on football by regularly betting on fixtures following an FA education presentation, where the rules were discussed.
Stevens staked a total of £510.12, and Leeds Chief Executive Angus Kinnear slammed the decision to ban the teenager from all football-related activities, a punishment he felt to be “disproportionate”.
Many Leeds fans continue to agree with that sentiment now that Stevens is able to return to Thorp Arch for training again, with one noting that Wally Downes was recently issued a four-week ban after admitting to breaching FA rules around betting (BBC).
The now-sacked AFC Wimbledon boss (BBC) had placed five bets on football matches played between November 30, 2013 and January 30, 2014 and placed three more between March 16 and July 12, 2019.
Here are some of the messages shared on Stevens’ situation…
Can’t do that to a young lad. Ban him from playing but you can’t stop him turning up to train.
— Jake Riley (@JakeyRiley) October 25, 2019
Ridiculous in it’s severity!
— jeff hopkins ?? (@LUFC72) October 25, 2019
Absolutely not. Terrible idea from the EFL/FA or whoever it was.
— A-Jay (@AntonySophia13) October 25, 2019
Wally Downes banned for only 4 weeks for the same thing over a 6 year period
— Lindsay Mckay (@Lindsaythebiker) October 25, 2019
One of the biggest issues Leeds fans have raised with Stevens’ ban beyond the length of his suspension has been the presence of gambling companies in modern football.
Sky Bet sponsors the English Football Leagues, while a majority of clubs across the country have connections with betting companies in some form, whether that be through shirt sponsorship or other means.
Half of the 20 Premier League sides competing in the top-flight this term have gambling company’s logos on their shirts (Guardian), and are expected to make a record £349.1million as a result of their deals.
What support (if any) has he been offered? The football league is propped up by gambling companies and then they get on their high horse when a 19 year old falls into it?!
— eloise alice ?? (@eloise_0) October 25, 2019
When he pulls on the shirt, what company’s name and logo are emblazoned on the front of it? Ridiculous.
— Jack Ford (@jackford30) October 25, 2019
But while many Leeds fans were, and continue to be, frustrated by Stevens’ suspension from all football-related activities after accepting the FA’s charge, some United supporters have shared that they feel he should have known better.
One proposed that tough punishments have to be issued in order to serve as a deterrent to players in the future, while another added that Stevens’ ban might lead to the next player considering placing a bet thinking of the ramifications.
At 19, some also feel Stevens should have had a greater awareness of the potential impact of his actions.
At 19 you’re an adult
— b (@lufcnorks) October 25, 2019
As someone who places bets on football regularly, I agree with his punishment.
There are huge implications when players and staff break the rules. Tough punishment needs to be handed out to prevent ppl from doing it.
— Peter (@iEviZu) October 25, 2019
19 years is an adult. They need to learn and fast! I’m sure the next 19 year old thinking about this would remember the ramifications and consider if it’s worth it
— Jay B (@jaybeezle) October 25, 2019
He’s 19 not 9
— . (@s_n_e_l_l_s) October 25, 2019