Chris Maguire opens up on betting ban pain as Ayr United forward insists he was 'identity fraud' victim

Chris Maguire has lifted the lid on his betting ban torment.

The ex-Aberdeen star is back in the game with Ayr and eyeing a Scottish Cup semi-final spot. But his season looked a write-off after he was suspended by Lincoln in August when hit with breaches of FA gambling rules. Maguire admitted to some charges but disputed others and the case dragged on months.

A deal to join Hartlepool was put on hold and his career placed in limbo. Clubs were unwilling to commit to contracts with the cloud hanging over the 34-year-old. Maguire was finally handed a backdated six-week suspension in January. Maguire said: “It was draining, it was tough. I was left without a club from the start of the season until January, which had a major impact on me. I admitted to several, very limited breaches and put my hands up but it went on and on and that was disappointing. They tried to charge me with 52 counts but I was a victim of identity fraud.

“It was then about trying to prove that and fighting my corner. Thankfully, it got reduced, it just dragged on for months and that put teams off potentially signing me. I’m grateful for the chance to get back to doing what I do best.”

Maguire admits he’s had plenty time away from the game to regret his actions and learn lessons: “Listen, I’m human, everyone makes mistakes. I’m not the first player to do that and certainly won’t be the last.

“But you go through difficult times in your life. Being away from home, being away from my kids, it was a difficult period when I stupidly did that in the betting shop.

“I got an injury for the first time in my career, my head was all over the place. I regret it, it’s not worth it, for what I placed, to be out that long. It’s cost me a hell of a lot more. It was