Motherwell´s Jennings arrested in betting investigation

Motherwell midfielder Steven Jennings has been arrested at his home in Merseyside following a probe into alleged betting irregularities.

Jennings was sent off for dissent in a Scottish Premier League match against Hearts last season, an event which provoked probes into unusual betting activity prior to the fixture.

Stewart Regan, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, released the following statement: “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. 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 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.”

The Association of British Bookmakers, along with the SFA and SPL, announced that they would look into the alleged betting irregularities shortly after the match last December.

Reports at the time suggested that a new account had been opened in Liverpool prior to the match which had placed 500 pounds on a red card, with several other accounts making similar bets.