On centralizers of involutions having a component of type \(A_6\) and \(A_7\) (Q1239261)

The following theorem is proved: let \(G\) be a finite group of even order containing an involution \(t\) such that \(C_G(t)\) is isomorphic to the direct product of a group of order 2 and the symmetric group on 6 (or 7) letters. Then \(G\) has a subgroup of index 2. - Note that the Mathieu group \(M_{12}\) contains an involution \(t_2\) such that \(C_G(t_2) = \langle t_2\rangle \times S\), where \(S\) is isomorphic to the symmetric group on 5 letters. - The proof of the theorem is elementary and the essential factor therein is the use of Thompson's transfer lemma.