Motherwell footballer cleared after gambling probe

MOTHERWELL midfielder Steve Jennings has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a police investigation into alleged betting irregularities, according to his solicitor.

The 27-year-old was one of nine men arrested in October 2011 on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud following a joint operation by Merseyside Police and the Gambling Commission.

The probe followed reports from some bookmakers of irregular betting patterns on Motherwell’s 2-1 defeat by Hearts in December 2010, during which Jennings was sent off. He had denied the allegations.

He was held along with England footballer Wayne Rooney’s father, Wayne Snr, and his uncle, Richie Rooney.

During the match, Jennings, who had already received a yellow card, was red-carded for swearing at referee Steve O’Reilly.

A number of high-value bets on a player being sent off had been placed from newly opened internet accounts in the Liverpool area. The accounts were opened during the course of the game.

One of the bets that was placed was a £500 bet at odds of 10/1.

At the time, bookmakers Blue Square also said one of its customers tried to place as much as the online account would allow on a Motherwell player being given a red card.

Jennings and the other men denied the allegations.

Jennings, from Kirkby, Merseyside, previously played in the Everton youth squad alongside Wayne Rooney, who also began his footballing career at the club.

His solicitor Nick Melville told BBC Scotland: “We’ve received information from Merseyside Police that in relation to Mr Jennings there’ll be no further action. Mr Jennings stated from the outset that he’s had no involvement whatsoever with any criminal activity, and this vindicates his stance throughout.”

Merseyside Police is expected to make an official statement later this week.