![\"Referee](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/e47d1f3620b34a7ae4f68e06ae17d08d08f49c8c.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nHe is also accused of placing other bets for the same match in May, winning more than $10,000 in total profit.<\/p>\n
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Referee Alex King shows the yellow card to Riku Danzaki of Western United during the round 28 A-League Men match between Western United and Sydney FC at Ironbark Fields, on April 27, 2025.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
On May 8, the Bayside striker is accused of similar conduct, with police alleging he used \u201ccorrupt\u201d information that Danzaki would deliberately receive a yellow card during a match between Western United and Adelaide Football Club.<\/p>\n
It is alleged he placed several bets with Tabcorp, winning more than $5500.<\/p>\n
On May 22, this year, charge sheets show Danzaki is accused of entering into another arrangement, this time allegedly agreeing to deliberately receive a yellow card during a match between Western United and Melbourne City.<\/p>\n
Police allege Danzaki attempted to place a $1000 bet with licensed bookmaker Tabcorp that he would earn a yellow card during the match \u2013 a bet that if placed would have won him $3250.<\/p>\n
![\"Yuta](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/813bc280fe8be5e30f884d24d8e45507705306d3.jpeg\")
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Yuta Hirayama leaving Melbourne Magistrates\u2019 Court on Monday.Credit: AAPIMAGE<\/p>\n
Investigators allege Hirayama also attempted to profit from this match by using information fed to him that Danzaki would again allegedly deliberately get a yellow card.<\/p>\n
Hirayama attempted to win more than $3000 from Tabcorp when he placed a $1000 bet.<\/p>\n
Manipulating yellow cards occurs when a player sets out to attract a yellow card at a certain point of the game to match with a corresponding bet.<\/p>\n
Some gambling companies offer bets on whether a particular player will get a yellow card. Some bets offered by overseas bookmakers narrow this down to a specific time in the game.<\/p>\n
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Football Australia placed \u201cno-fault interim suspensions\u201d on the two players after the charges.<\/p>\n
In soccer, referees give players yellow cards for misconduct, abuse, simulation [diving], bad tackles that aren\u2019t serious enough to warrant a red card, and repeated fouls. One yellow card means the player stays on the pitch. Two yellow cards mean they are sent off.<\/p>\n
In June, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission announced it would launch a \u201csuitability review\u201d of Football Australia examining the governing body\u2019s integrity measures, as well as the range of betting markets it allows on soccer games in Australia.<\/p>\n
Police previously said detectives from the sporting integrity intelligence unit worked closely with Football Australia during its investigation.<\/p>\n
Police executed warrants in Richmond, West Melbourne and Kingsville earlier this year before the two men were arrested.<\/p>\n
At the time, the Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-League, said it wouldn\u2019t compromise on integrity.<\/p>\n
Both Danzaki and Hirayama were ordered to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates\u2019 Court next month.<\/p>\n