Rooney Sr held in betting probe

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6 October 2011 Last updated at 17:34 GMT Wayne Rooney Sr and Steve Jennings were arrested by Merseyside Police Nine men, including Wayne Rooney's father, who were arrested in a probe into betting irregularities have been released on bail.

Wayne Rooney Sr and seven other men had been held at addresses in Merseyside. Motherwell FC player Steve Jennings had been arrested at his home in Glasgow.

Police said the men had been arrested for conspiracy to defraud.

The probe relates to alleged betting irregularities surrounding a game between Motherwell and Hearts.

Concerns about the game, on 14 December 2010, were raised by the Association of British Bookmakers after a number of bets from the Liverpool area were placed on there being a sending off.

During the match Jennings, who had already been booked, was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language aimed at referee Stevie O'Reilly late in the 2-1 home defeat.

'Suspicious betting'

The 26-year-old, who is from Liverpool and joined Motherwell from Tranmere two years ago, has denied any wrongdoing.

It is believed that Manchester United and England striker Rooney's uncle Richie, 54, was also among those detained.

Stewart Regan, SFA chief executive, said: "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.

Interview - SFA chief executive Stewart Regan

"Motherwell FC are aware of the situation and will issue a response in due course."

In a 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."

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Rooney is ready to play - Capello

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Venue: City Stadium, PodgoricaDate: Friday, 7 OctoberKick-off: 2000 BSTCoverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 live and online; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles; watch live on Sky Sports 1Fabio Capello says Wayne Rooney is 'relaxed and calm'

Fabio Capello says Wayne Rooney has told him he is relaxed and ready to play against Montenegro on Friday despite his father's arrest.

Wayne Rooney Snr is one of nine men who were arrested on Thursday in a probe into betting irregularities.

But Capello said the striker was "relaxed and calm" about the situation ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier.

"He told me 'absolutely no problems'," the England manager said. "He is sure this poses no problems."

England captain John Terry added: "Wayne is focused on the game. We all realise the importance of that. It is important for him to go and play his football. That's all that matters to us."

Capello said it would be a "big mistake" if England played for a point - all that is needed to secure qualification - in Podgorica.

Continue reading the main story 3 September 2010 - England 4-0 Bulgaria17 September 2010 - Switzerland 1 England 312 October - England 0-0 Montenegro26 March 2011 - Wales 0-2 England4 June 2011 - England 2-2 Switzerland2 September 2011 - Bulgaria 0-3 England6 September 2011 - England 1-0 Wales

"We need to play to win," he said. "I think the players understand we need to play the same level we play always away from England.

"I hope our play tomorrow will be really good for us to qualify in first position."

Capello said he had not yet decided who to partner with Rooney in attack for the match.

Asked whether fellow Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck may get the call, Capello said: "I need to sleep on this tonight. We will decide tomorrow morning about the forward we will play with Rooney and also the right-back."

Tottenham's Kyle Walker and Manchester United's Phil Jones could be in line for that defensive role.

"One of those players will play tomorrow and I have confidence in them," Capello said.

Meanwhle Terry, who was captain in England's unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and part of the side which underperformed at last summer's World Cup, sees Euro 2012 as an opportunity to make amends.

"It's obviously my dream to take an England side into a big, major tournament," he said.

"With that in mind as a personal goal that's my target.

"Collectively for the team [qualification] is the priority, whether with a draw or a win.

"We're full of confidence, playing well, hence why we're top of the group. We must get ourselves over the line tomorrow."

For latest updates and reaction to this story read Sportsday Live. Have your say on Twitter via the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

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