Montano to appeal over sacking

Cristian Montano

CRISTIAN Montano will appeal against Athletic’s decision to sack him.

The 22-year-old former West Ham winger was sacked by the club last Monday for gross misconduct after his arrest by police investigating alleged spot-fixing.

Montano was one of six players arrested and bailed earlier this month as part of a probe by the National Crime Agency, which was acting on information passed to them by a Sunday newspaper.

Athletic initially suspended Montano on December 8, before deciding to terminate his contract following an investigation and talks with legal advisers.

But the decision has shocked the player, who denies being involved in spot-fixing.

A statement issued for Montano by barrister Roy Ledgister read: “Cristian Montano is disappointed to have learned of Oldham Football Club’s decision to terminate his employment contract.

“Despite reports, he had been suspended on full pay to enable the club to investigate. He will now mount an appeal challenging the club’s unexpectedly decision to terminate - which seemed illogical as it appears no proper investigation was carried out. A police investigation is ongoing, without charges having been brought.

“It appears he has been pre-judged by the club on the inconclusive material presently available. He vehemently denies being involved in spot-fixing.”

On the same day Montano was sacked by Athletic, it also emerged the Colombian had been charged with the rape of a woman in London, along with two other men. All three plead not guilty