FOOTBALLER Dean Brett has been sacked by Cowdenbeath, after an investigation revealed he placed bets on more than 6,000 games, including on his side, Cowdenbeath, to lose.

The 24-year-old, from Tranent, broke Scottish Football Association (SFA) rules by betting on the matches, and has been sacked after a disciplinary hearing was held by the club. 

In a letter to Brett, published on the Cowden website, club directors said: "Dismissal is the club’s confirmed decision but that does not take away the fact that we as individuals still have compassion towards you.

"We are willing, if you wish, to try to support you in this very difficult time."

The letter goes on to offer Brett payments for March, April and May, which "will equate to the sum you would have received as wages."

They are also offering to set up a mentoring group for the defender, and have asked him to shut down his social media accounts, and refrain from gambling.

Brett, who has also been handed a four-game ban for offensive remarks made on Twitter by the SFA, also faces a ban after admitting placing 2,787 bets since the 2011/12 season.

It is unknown what ban Brett is likely to face from the SFA.

Earlier this week, Brett tweeted: "Hold my hands up. Not acceptable from me over the years and I apologise to everyone I've let down.

"Silly, silly laddie but lesson learned.

"I'll accept what's given to me and get on with it. Had better times but also had worst so this won't stop me."