Rooney Snr denies betting scam

Wayne Rooney’s father tonight “vigorously” denied allegations of being involved in a football betting scam and was “co-operating fully” with the police investigation, his solicitor said.

Wayne Rooney Snr, 48, was bailed pending further inquiries tonight after being held earlier today when police swooped at his home in West Derby, Liverpool.

Eight other people, including the Manchester United star’s uncle, Richie, 54, and Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. Merseyside Police said all have been bailed until January next year.

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

Tonight Anthony Barnfather, partner at Pannone solicitors who are representing Mr Rooney Snr, said in a statement: “Mr Rooney vigorously denies all of these allegations. We are co-operating fully with the investigation. No further comment will be made at this time.”