Merseyside Police arrest ex-Tranmere player Steve Jennings in football betting investigation

Oct 6 2011 By Ben Rossington

MERSEYSIDE Police investigating a possible red card betting scam arrested former Tranmere Rovers midfielder Steve Jennings today.

The Kirkby-born 26-year-old, who spent seven seasons at Prenton Park after coming through the youth system, was picked up by Merseyside police on behalf of the Gambling Commission at his home in Glasgow.

He was one of nine people - alongside eight others from Merseyside – set to be questioned after warrants were carried out at 10 address in Merseyside and Glasgow early this morning.

Jennings has been under investigation since December when playing for Motherwell he received his marching orders in a 2-1 home defeat to Hearts.

After being booked for a foul early on in the game at Fir Park, Jennings was shown a straight red card for putting his hand on referee Stevie O’Reilly and arguing when a penalty appeal was turned down in the 83rd minute of the SPL clash.

Jennings is alleged to have asked O’Reilly when he was going to stop “cheating” Motherwell.

But questions were raised by bookies when it emerged that several bets were made on a player being sent off including a £500 punt placed through a new account opened in Liverpool at 10/1 odds.

Two members of the Association of British Bookmakers, including online betting company Blue Square, reported concerns the day after the match.