The father of Wayne Rooney has denied allegations linking him to a betting scam.

Thomas Rooney had been arrested but has now been released on police bail until January next year along with nine others, including Rooney's uncle Richie.

The allegations relate to irregular betting patterns on a match between Motherwell and Hearts in December last year.

Bookmakers alerted the authorities that a large number of bets had been placed on Motherwell's Steve Jennings being sent off, which he was in the 83rd minute.

"Mr Rooney vigorously denies all of these allegations," Thomas's representative Anthony Barnfather said in a statement.

"We are cooperating fully with the investigation. No further comment will be made at this time."

Manchester United striker Rooney is currently in Montenegro preparing for England's Euro 2012 qualifier.

Written by
Jack Prescott