Notts County defender Lewis Macari, grandson of former Manchester United midfielder Lou Macari, has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly breaching betting rules. The 23-year-old is accused of placing 354 bets on football matches over a three-year period between February 25, 2020 and December 4, 2022.
Macari, who came through Stoke City's academy and made just one senior appearance for the club, was on loan at Irish side Dundalk during part of the alleged offences. He joined Notts County in 2023 and has made 61 appearances for the League Two side.
The FA has given Macari until July 18 to respond to the charge. A statement from the governing body said: 'It's alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1(b) 354 times by placing bets on football matches.'
Notts County confirmed they are supporting Macari through the investigation. The club said: 'The alleged offences took place between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 2022. We will be supporting Lewis and his representatives throughout the investigation process.'
Macari is the latest in a series of footballers facing betting charges this year, including former Cheltenham striker Ryan Bowman, who received a three-and-a-half year ban for placing 6,397 bets, and Wimbledon's Osman Foyo. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali also served a 10-month ban for betting breaches.
