An ex-West Ham winger was arrested yesterday as part of a investigation into fixing in football matches.

Cristian Montano, who currently plays for Oldham Athletic, spent 10 years at Upton Park, first joining as an under-12s player in 2002 before signing a two-year contract with the League One club.

The 21-year-old Colombian is one of six players who have been arrested in connection with the proble.

It is alleged Montano tried to get booked in exchange for money in the first half of the club’s match at Wolves in October.

After he was given a yellow card in the second half of the match, which Oldham lost 2-0, footage emerged of him apologising and explaining what happened to former Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje.

Sodje is alleged to have been the ‘fixer’ of a scam in which betting syndicates gamble on cautions.

In the clip Montano explains to Sodje that he swore at the referee and tried to foul Wolves players but was not booked.

He then says that he would try the tactics again in the future.

He received a yellow card in the first half of the next game he started against Notty County in November.

Montano, who is currently injured, is suspended without pay until investigations conclude.

Oldham club director Barry Owen said: "We are currently assisting the authorities and the future of the player cannot be established until we are notified of what is to occur with these investigations.

Oldham Athletic says it did not know about the scam and that it is investigating internally.

It is thought the father-of-one is paid around £1,200 per week.

The National Crime Agency is investigating.