The Fix Is In – The 1915 Match-Fixing Scandal

The arrival of spring 1915 heralded new levels of bloodshed in continental Europe as the Great War escalated among the belligerent nations. But amidst the suffering of men in the battlefields of continental Europe, the football season was still being played in England in the first year of the war.

Beginning in September 1914, it bucked the trend when compared to other sports, with England's rugby and cricket leagues halted due to the war. But the 1914-15 season would be tarred by an event in April 1915 that would have far-reaching consequences in English football. 

As the Easter fixtures approached, the 1914-15 domestic season was in its final stages with eight games to go. The pick of the Good Friday games in the First Division on April 2nd was Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Both teams were on the wrong side of the table, with Liverpool languishing in mid-table, but Manchester United were struggling to avoid relegation. Their form under manager Jack Robson was sketchy, with just one win in their last five league games.