adminLONDON. — Axed Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart spent the aftermath of last season’s derby defeat gambling up to £100 000 with a member of X Factor group Union J, it was claimed in a Daily Mirror interview.
Josh Cuthbert, a member of the four-piece who shot to fame in last year’s season of the ITV talent show, said he spent a night in a Manchester casino with Hart and his former City team-mate Gareth Barry after their 3-2 defeat at home to fierce rivals Manchester United on December 9.
Cuthbert, who claims the England No 1 ‘loves’ Union J, told the Daily Mirror that Hart withdrew £100 000 before giving him £2 500 worth of chips.
“Joe gave me some money to gamble with,’ Cuthbert told The Daily Mirror.
“I went to get my debit card to take out £50 and he withdrew like £100,000 and gave me some of his chips – they were worth £2 500.
“I was pretty drunk, but it was so cool. We all hit the roulette table and I kept thinking, ‘Oh my god I’m gambling with two England international players’. It was literally the best night of my life.”
Cuthbert then claims he profited from Hart’s gesture ending the night with £12 000 winnings.
The alleged night took place after Hart was beaten by a Robin van Persie free-kick in the final moments of an explosive derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Hart was also called into action after Van Persie’s winner as he refrained a City supporter from confronting United defender Rio Ferdinand at the final whistle.
Pressure on Hart has intensified this season following a number of high-profile gaffes which has seen the 26-year-old lose his spot in City’s side to Costel Pantilimon.
His place in the England team is also under threat with Celtic stopper Fraser Forster emerging as a real candidate to wrestle away the No 1 shirt ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
And former West Ham striker Tony Cottee reckons England boss Roy Hodgson should axe Hart for the upcoming friendlies against Chile and Germany.
“I don’t think Joe should play in these two games anyway,’ said Cottee. ‘We know what he can do, we know how good he is’.
“He is not in the team at City at the moment, and we understand that, but I think it is time for Fraser Forster to be given a chance. He has done very well at Celtic and is playing Champions League football.
“I’d give him the two games because if we do play Joe in the World Cup and he gets sent off in the first minute of the first game, or gets injured, you need a goalkeeper with international experience.” — Mailonline.
Online Reporter