No Action For Rooney Dad Over Betting Claims

No action will be taken against footballer Wayne Rooney's father over alleged betting irregularities surrounding a Scottish Premier League game.

The Manchester United and England star's father, Wayne senior, was arrested and released on bail in 2011 over claims relating to a game between Motherwell and Hearts in 2010.

He was one of nine men held over the probe into suspicious gambling patterns around the match, with Motherwell player Steve Jennings also among those arrested.

But Mr Rooney Snr's solicitor Anthony Barnfather, from Pannone Solicitors, said police had stated no further action will be brought against his client.

He said: "Mr Rooney Snr has always vigorously denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. He is delighted the matter has now concluded."

The investigation was launched by the Gambling Commission, an independent body formed as part of the Gambling Act (2005), several days after the game when concerns were raised by members of the Association of British Bookmakers.

Sky's Scotland correspondent James Matthews said: "Early in the game with Hearts, Steve Jennings, who is from the Liverpool area, got a yellow card.

"Around that time there were a flurry of bets in Liverpool that there would be a sending off during the game."

Jennings was sent off in the 84th minute for directing foul and abusive language at the referee as his side lost 2-1. He denies any wrongdoing.

Also held in the operation were the Manchester United star's uncle Richie, 54, detained at his home in Norris Green, Liverpool, and a further six Liverpool men aged 22, 26, 29, 31, 36 and 68.

All the men were bailed pending further inquiries until this week when they are due to attend police stations to be informed whether charges will be brought.