Wayne Rooney's father was one of nine men arrested on Thursday
as part of an investigation into suspicious betting activity,
sources said.
Rooney senior: Arrested on Thursday
Wayne Rooney senior, 48, was detained at his home in the
West Derby area of Liverpool.
The arrests, carried out across Merseyside and Glasgow, relate
to a game between Motherwell
and Hearts in December last year, which Hearts
won 2-1 following a second half penalty.
The Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings was arrested after
allegedly getting himself sent off deliberately during the
match.
It is believed that there was a pattern of irregular betting,
with stakes being put on a red card being given. One was allegedly
from a new account opened in Liverpool, from where £500 was staked
at odds of 10/1.
Rooney's 48-year-old father, also called Wayne, is thought to
have been arrested at his home in the West Derby district of
Liverpool.
The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and
Hearts on December 14 last year, Merseyside Police said.
It is also understood that Manchester United star Rooney's uncle
Richie, 54, was also detained.
All the suspects are being held for questioning at police
stations across Merseyside.
In a statement, Scottish Football Association chief executive
Stewart Regan said the arrests follow "extensive inquiries" into
alleged betting irregularities at the Scottish Premier League
match.
Regan said: "While the investigation involves several other
individuals out with 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.
"The Scottish FA will make no further comment at this
stage."