Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings has been arrested by Merseyside Police as part of an investigation into alleged betting irregularities.
Motherwell midfielder taken in by police as part of betting probe
Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings has been arrested by Merseyside Police as part of an investigation into alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish Premier League game.
The SFA launched a probe last December into the match between Motherwell and Hearts after bookmakers became aware of suspicious betting patterns.
Jennings was sent off for dissent towards the end of the encounter at Fir Park on 14th December, 2010, which Hearts won 2-1.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has now confirmed that Jennings has been taken in by police.
Extensive enquiries
"The Scottish FA has received notification from the Gambling Commission that the Motherwell FC player, Steve Jennings, was arrested at his home today by Merseyside Police," said Regan.
"This follows extensive enquiries in relation to alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14, 2010.
"While the investigation involves several other individuals outwith 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."
Jennings has always maintained his innocence and insisted he was shocked to find himself at the centre of such an enquiry.
Police statement
Merseyside Police said: "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.
"Those arrested are a 29-year-old from Bootle, a 48-year-old from West Derby, a 54-year-old from Norris Green, a 26-year-old from Croxteth, a 22-year-old from Kirkdale, a 31-year-old from Litherland, a 68-year-old from Fazakerley, a 36-year-old from Kirkby and a 26-year-old from Glasgow.
"The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14 2010."
Motherwell statement
A statement released by Motherwell Football Club said: "Motherwell Football Club can today confirm that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) made the club aware that one of our players was taken to a Merseyside police station early this morning in connection with an ongoing investigation.
"We have no further comment to make at this time. Any further statement would be wholly inappropriate and the club can and will only do so when properly appraised of the next steps in the process by the relevant authorities."
