The father of Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney was among nine men men arrested on Thursday over betting irregularities in a Scottish Premier League match, police sources said. Wayne Rooney senior, 48, was detained at his home in Liverpool along with another seven people arrested in the city. It is believed that Rooney’s uncle Richie, 54, was also detained. Steve Jennings, a 26-year-old central midfielder with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, was arrested at his home in Glasgow. The arrests were carried out by Merseyside Police in a joint operation with gambling authorities. The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14 last year, police said.
Jennings had already been booked during the match and was sent off for using foul and abusive language towards the referee. Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Stewart Regan said: “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.”
Rooney calm after dad’s arrest, says Capello: England boss Fabio Capello has no concerns over playing Wayne Rooney against Montenegro after speaking to the striker about his father’s arrest. “I found him relaxed and calm. There is no problem for the game, he will play against Montenegro. “He told me there are no problems.” As well as Rooney’s father, eight other people, including the Manchester United star’s uncle, Richie, 54, and Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.
Merseyside Police said the arrests were the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission into “suspicious betting activity”. With his focus on their Euro 2012 qualifying match, Capello could pair Rooney with United team-mate Danny Welbeck in attack. “I need to sleep (on it) tonight and will decide tomorrow morning about the forward to play with Rooney and about Welbeck,” said the coach. “I need to choose.”
