By Emily Goddard and David Gold
October 6 – Wayne Rooney’s father (pictured) and uncle were among nine men, which included Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, held by police this morning following a series of arrests carried out across Liverpool and Glasgow over allegations of suspicious betting activity during a Scottish Premier League (SPL) match, before being bailed.
Thomas Rooney, the England striker’s father who is commonly known as Wayne Rooney Snr, and Richie Rooney, are two of four men released on bail after being entangled in the investigation relating to a game between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14 last year.
Hearts twice took the lead in the game and eventually won 2-1 after Motherwell’s attempt to fight back was ended by a red card handed to Jennings after he complained vociferously to referee Stevie O’Reilly when a penalty appeal was turned down.
In a statement Merseyside police, who are conducting the investigation alongside the Gambling Commission, 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.”
Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “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.”
FIFA and UEFA have taken steps this year to tackle the growing threat of match fixing, with the former setting up a £17.5 million ($27 million/€20.5 million) anti-corruption programme, though insideworldfootball understands that the investigation carried out in Scotland is unrelated to these efforts.
A high profile match fixing inquiry is still ongoing in Turkey, where the champions Fenerbahçe were thrown out of the European Champions League for their alleged involvement in the scandal.
Other investigations have been conducted in a number of countries, including Italy, Greece and South Korea, and international matches have also been affected by the scourge of betting rings looking to make money through in-game betting.
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