Exclusive: Wayne Rooney's dad arrested in football betting scam
Thomas Wayne Rooney (Pic: AFP)
Wayne Rooney’s father was arrested today in connection with an alleged football betting scam.
The Manchester United star’s uncle Richie, 54, was also detained.
The two men were among nine who were detained by police in Merseyside and Glasgow.
It is understood Wayne Rooney senior, 48, was arrested at his home in the West Derby area of Liverpool.
The development comes after a nine month investigation into the sending off of Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26.
The former Tranmere Rovers player was also arrested in connection
with the betting probe today. The Kirkby-born footballer was arrested by
Merseyside police on behalf of the Gambling Commission at his home in
Glasgow.
He was one of nine people arrested, the other eight being detained at addresses on Merseyside.
After being booked for a foul early on in the game Jennings was
shown a straight red card for putting his hand on referee Stevie
O’Reilly and arguing when a penalty appeal was turned down in the 83rd
minute of the SPL clash.
Jennings is alleged to have asked O’Reilly when he was going to stop
“cheating” Motherwell. But questions were raised by bookies when it
emerged that several bets were made on a player being sent off including
a £500 gamble placed through a new account opened in Liverpool at 10/1
odds.
Two members of the Association of British Bookmakers, including
online betting company Blue Square, reported concerns the day after the
match.In a statement SFA chief executive Stewart Regan attributed the
information to the Gambling Commission and said the arrest follows
“extensive inquiries” into alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish
Premier League match.
Mr Regan added: “While the investigation involves several other
individuals outside Scotland, it is important to stress that the
evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has
involved only one Scottish match.“Motherwell FC are aware of the
situation and will issue a response in due course.
“The Scottish FA will make no further comment at this stage.”
Merseyside Police said: “Detectives have today executed warrants at
10 addresses across Merseyside and Glasgow and arrested nine men as part
of an investigation into suspicious betting activity.
“The arrests are the culmination of a joint operation with the
Gambling Commission and the nine who have been arrested for conspiracy
to defraud are being interviewed by detectives.
“Those arrested are a 29-year-old from Bootle, a 48-year-old from
West Derby, a 54-year-old from Norris Green, a 26-year-old from
Croxteth, a 22-year-old from Kirkdale, a 31-year-old from Litherland, a
68-year-old from Fazakerley, a 36-year-old from Kirkby and a 26-year-old
from Glasgow.
“The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14 2010.”
Topic: Money-grubbers. (Read 6811 times)