Rooney’s Father Released on Bail
Ross Winton
Manchester United star Wayne Rooney’s father and uncle were today released on bail after being arrested along with seven other over an alleged betting scam.
Arrests were carried out across Merseyside and Glasgow and are in connection with last years Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Heart of Midlothian on 14 December 2010.
Amongst the others taken in by police today was Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, a Merseyside born footballer, who was red carded in the fixture in question.
Irregular betting patterns are said to have cropped up in Liverpool and surrounding areas, with one alleged £500 stake being placed on a red card being shown at odds of 10/1.
Today’s arrests come after a 9-month investigation into Jennings’ sending off in the match. Midfielder Jennings who is from Kirby, was arrested at his home in Glasgow on behalf of the Gambling Commission.
Bookmaker became increasingly concerned when it appeared several bets had been laid on a player being sent off, including the £500 stake placed in Liverpool.
Merseyside Police today 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 investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on 14 December 2010”
SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan has stressed that he wishes betting irregularity to be irradicated from the game:
“The matter is in the hands of the police. We will be working and cooperating with the police and the Gambling Commission providing information as required.
“Any investigation that involves betting irregularities, there needs to be a thorough examination of the facts and a lot of evidence gathered. I’m confident Scottish football is doing everything it can to take betting irregularities out of the game.”
Rooney’s father and uncle were released on bail earlier today along with two others. Nobody has yet been charged.
Radio Napier 
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