CIARON Brown’s booking against Arsenal is being investigated by the FA due to alleged spot-fixing.

The Oxford Mail has been informed that the governing body is aware of the matter and an investigation will take place.

As first reported by the Daily Mail, the FA opened an inquiry into suspicious betting patterns surrounding the booking received by Brown during United’s Emirates FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

READ MORE: Oxford United issue statement on Ciaron Brown spot-fixing allegations

Brown was booked in the 59th minute after wrestling Eddie Nketiah to the ground as he fought to get the ball back while the U’s were on the attack and the score still goalless.

Arsenal opened the scoring four minutes after Brown was booked, when Mohamed Elneny powered in a header from Fabio Vieira’s left-wing free kick.

A brace from Nketiah secured Arsenal’s progress to the fourth round, where they will face Manchester City.

Brown has arguably been United’s player of the season so far, having joined the club on a permanent basis in the summer.

The Northern Ireland international initially joined the U’s on loan from Cardiff City last January, but signed permanently after his release by the Bluebirds.

A centre half by trade, Brown has mostly played at left back for the U’s.

He faces increased competition for his place in the side following the arrival of Hull City’s Brandon Fleming, who can operate at left back or left wing back.