Footballer Hits Bar at Halftime, Then Chows Down During Match

The conclusion of Sutton United’s best season in its 118-year history was overshadowed by a pie-eating substitute this past weekend, and it couldn’t be more demoralizing for the club. Having reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time ever, the National League club — the fifth tier of English football — lost a hard-fought 2-0 battle against Arsenal of the Premier League this weekend, putting their Cinderella story to a screeching halt. While that should be enough for the team to celebrate, Sutton instead made international news for its backup goalkeeper, Wayne Shaw.

The 280-pound, 46-year-old keeper was first caught on camera at the venue’s bar during halftime, then, at around the 83-minute, Shaw was seen eating what looked like a pie on the sideline. While Shaw states it was innocent banter for his teammates and fans, in addition to being a bit famished, the Gambling Commission is currently investigating the incident on the basis of breaching betting regulations: just an hour before kickoff, Sutton’s shirt sponsors for the game, Sun Bets, tweeted the official odds of Shaw eating a pie during the match was 8-1.

Shaw later told the Daily Mail that although he was aware of the offer, he did not place a wager on it, also it wasn’t a pie but a pasty. However when asked if he knew of anyone that had taken the bet, he stated, “I think there were a few people. Obviously, we are not allowed to bet. I think a few of the mates and a few of the fans, it was just a bit of banter for them. It is something to make the occasion as well, and you can look back and say it was part of it, and we got our ticket money back.”

The Sutton goalkeeper, affectionately known as the “Roly Poly Goalie,” has resigned from the club amid the controversy.

I kid you not. Sutton reserve keeper Wayne Shaw is in the bar at half-time. pic.twitter.com/f7014pXRBP

— Chris Slegg (@ChrisSlegg) February 20, 2017

The highlight of today’s #FACup clash?

Sutton backup goalkeeper Wayne Shaw enjoying a mid-game pie. (via @BBCMOTD) pic.twitter.com/TGHzC5bR2p

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 20, 2017

Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait…

Wayne Shaw To Eat A Pie Live On Air = 8/1https://t.co/RbjPZpZ6NK #FACup #SUTARS pic.twitter.com/0YbfWbsHJh

— Sun Bets (@SunBets) February 20, 2017