Report: Rooney's dad, uncle arrested

Published Oct. 6, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Manchester United soccer star Wayne Rooney's dad reportedly was among nine men arrested Thursday by detectives investigating alleged betting irregularities during a Scottish Premier League (SPL) game last year.

Wayne Rooney senior, 48, was detained by police at his home in Liverpool, the Daily Mirror reported.

The England soccer star's uncle, Richie Rooney, was also detained by Merseyside officers after "extensive inquiries" into the game between Motherwell and Hearts on Dec. 14, 2010.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan earlier confirmed that Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings also was arrested in the probe.

Jennings, 26, was sent off for dissent toward the end of the game at Fir Park, which Hearts won 2-1. An inquiry was launched after bookmakers became aware of suspicious betting patterns.

Jennings, who hails from Liverpool, northwestern England, was arrested at his Glasgow home. The eight other men -- including Rooney's father and uncle -- were arrested across his native Merseyside.

Jennings has always denied any involvement.