Wayne Rooney’s Father Arrested in Gambling Conspiracy Probe

The father of British soccer superstar Wayne Rooney has been bailed after getting arrested in connection with a gambling probe.

Wayne Rooney Sr., father of the famed Manchester United and England striker and namesake, was one of nine people detained over betting irregularities in a Scottish Premier League match, according to police sources.

Merseyside Police, which carried out the arrests, said in a statement: 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.”

Rooney Jr.’s uncle Richie, as well as Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings were similarly arrested.

Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive Stewart Regan said in statement that the alleged gambling irregularities related to an SPL match between Motherwell and Hearts on Dec 14, 2010.

Regan added: 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.

According to British media reports, concerns about fraud in the match were raised by the Association of British Bookmakers after an unusually large number of bets from the Liverpool area (Jennings’ hometown).

Jennings was shows a red card for foul and abusive language directed at referee Stevie O’Reilly during a 2-1 defeat

Jennings has denied any wrongdoing.