Saint-a Claus makes it up

Posted Thursday, July 12, 2012 by The Sun

SINNER AND SAINT ... Claus Lundekvam and Francis Benali in 1999

CLAUS LUNDEKVAM has been told to ‘name names’ by fuming ex-Southampton players after dragging them into a betting scandal.

SunSport reported yesterday how Norwegian Lundekvam claimed he and his old Saints team-mates raked in huge sums by betting on their own top-flight games.

He alleged Saints stars ordered club staff to lump large amounts on the first throw-in or corner as he blew the lid on a spot-fixing scam.

Defender Lundekvam also claimed rival captains and players were in on the corrupt money-making scheme that went on right across the Premier League.

But ex-Saints skipper Francis Benali, 43, said: “I’m very surprised.

“It’s widely known Claus has had quite a few personal problems in recent times. I wonder if that’s why he’s come out with this story.

“The way it’s come across, it’s like all of us were at it, all in on the betting scam and everyone had knowledge of it. That wasn’t the case.”

One former Saint who wished to remain anonymous said: “I’ve spoken to a few former players and they are fuming.

“They had no idea about this stuff. If you are going to make accusations like that you have to name people — or people will make guesses and the innocent will look guilty.

“Everyone’s being tarred with the same brush. It’s out of order.”

Stunned former Saints caretaker boss Dave Bassett said: “I never saw the players all happy after a game because they’d won a few bob on the first corner. Claus must have the proof to back it up.”