Paul Merson warns of dangers of gambling around festive period

STIGMA: Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson believes there is still a stigma surrounding gambling addiction as he warned about the dangers of betting around the Christmas period. File pic: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson believes there is still a stigma surrounding gambling addiction as he warned about the dangers of betting around the Christmas period.

The 54-year-old made his name with the Gunners, spending 12 years at Highbury, and had spells at Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth, as well as earning 21 caps for England during his career before moving into punditry.