Rooney Snr will not face any betting scam charges

Wayne Rooney Snr was arrested at his home in West Derby, Liverpool, last October.

Eight other people, including Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

At the time of the arrests, Merseyside Police said the investigation related to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on 14 December, 2010.

The arrests were the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission into “suspicious betting activity”.

Yesterday Anthony Barnfather, solicitor for Mr Rooney, confirmed that the police had told him no further action will be brought. He added: “Mr Rooney Snr has always vigorously denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. He is delighted the matter has now concluded.”

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 between 22 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. The probe began after members of the Association of British Bookmakers publicly raised concerns.