The Newcastle midfielder missed a golden opportunity to snatch all three points in the Magpies’ costly draw against Aston Villa on Saturday and could now be in line for a hefty fine, possibly even a ban.
The Sun report that Colback’s activity has alerted the attentions of the FA after it emerged he could be connected to a bet made online during Bayern Munich’s clash with Atletico Madrid last Tuesday.
Munich’s subsequent exit from the Champions League may have had no bearing whatsoever on the relegation-battling Newcastle, but new rules introduced by the FA in 2014 forbid footballers from placing bets on any football match worldwide.
Colback has been attempting to help Newcastle to safety and with the possibility of relegation on the cards on Wednesday night if Sunderland manage to beat Everton, it could become even worse for the midfielder if he is charged by the FA.
Punishments for such breaches vary from fines to bans, with Andros Townsend receiving an £18,000 fine three years ago, as well as a fourth-month playing suspension that was eventually reduced to just one month.
Manchester City’s Martin Demichelis accepted a charge from the FA for 12 breaches of the betting rules in January and is awaiting the verdict from the FA.
Colback has featured 28 times for Newcastle in all competitions this season.
Newcastle will be praying that a Sunderland slip up against Everton will mean the relegation fight will go to the final day of season, with the Magpies due to face Tottenham at St James’ Park.
Rafael Benitez’s side must win against Spurs if they are to stand any chance of securing their top flight status.