A striker at a Moray football club has been charged over an alleged gambling offence.
It is understood the player involved is Elgin City striker Kane Hester, who signed for the Moray club in January from Arbroath.
The 24-year-old has since established himself as one of the club’s star players with seven goals in 10 appearances this season.
Police have confirmed that four people were arrested and charged following a planned operation in Montrose last week.
Hester played and scored in Elgin City’s weekend draw against Edinburgh City.
A police spokeswoman said: “Four men, one aged 22 and the others aged 24, were arrested and charged in Montrose on Wednesday following a planned operation.
“The arrests were made in connection with offences under the Gambling Act 2005. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Elgin City revealed the allegations in a statement on its website yesterday from the board of directors.
It read: “It has come to our attention that one of our players has been charged with an alleged offence under the Gambling Act 2005.
“Our legal advisers have made it very clear to us that to comment further upon this matter would open the club up to possible allegations of being in contempt of court.
“We therefore trust that people will respect the player’s privacy and also the fact that the club cannot, and will not, make any further announcement on this matter at this time.”