by Renee Israel
Manchester United star, Wayne Rooney, has seen his father cleared over
allegations that he was involved in a football betting scam, his solicitor
reported. The father of Liverpool-born Wayne Rooney, was arrested together with
the player's uncle, Richie Rooney, 54.
Mr. Rooney Snr. was arrested in his home in Liverpool in October last year.
Another eight people were arrested at the same time on suspicion of conspiracy
to defraud. The arrests were made following a shared operation between the
Merseyside Police and the Gambling Commission investigating suspicious betting
activity.
Mr. Barnfather, Mr. Rooney Snr.'s solicitor confirmed that the police would
take no further action against his client. "Mr. Rooney Snr. has always
vigorously denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the
investigation. He is delighted the matter has now concluded."
Seven other men were arrested during the operation and were bailed pending
further inquiries this week. The men were due to be brought to police stations
to find out if charges would be brought against them or not. The men are aged
22, 26, 29, 31, 36, 54 and 68. At this point, the only one who has been informed
that no further action will be taken against him is the 22-year-old.
Mr. Rooney Snr., cleared of the betting scam, together with the other
men, is expected to answer bail later this week when he will be told, formally,
the conclusion of the investigation.
Probe Related to Motherwell-Hearts Game in 2010
The probe began after a match between Motherwell and Hearts that was played
on December 14, 2010. Members of the Association of British Bookmakers raised
concerns with the Gambling Commission about betting patterns in the game.
In the 83rd minute of the game, Steve Jennings was shown a red card. He had
also been booked earlier in the game for fouling Kevin Kyle when the Hearts
attempted a dangerous break. He was sent off when he put a hand on Referee
Stevie O'Reilly and argued with him after a penalty appeal was turned down.
One punter won £5,000 on a £500 bet that had odds of 10-1.
The midfielder, Jennings has been playing for Motherwell since summer 2009
and he has been a key player for the side. Motherwell lost the match 2-1.
Jennings was also arrested along with the other men, but it has been revealed
that he will be released from the investigation.
Motherwell is third in the Scottish Premier League. In July, 2011, Jennings
signed his third one-year contract at Fir Park.
