SHILTS GETS SHIRTY WITH BORIS OVER BETTING BAN

PETER SHILTON has slammed Boris Johnson for ignoring his pleas over a ban on betting firms sponsoring football shirts.

The Government is thought to be considering “watering down” proposals to clampdown on gambling advertising in football as it prepares to publish a White Paper later this month.

England legend Shilton, a self-confessed gambling addict, wrote to the Prime Minister (top right) and delivered his letter by hand to Downing Street last year.

He says he has not had a reply despite support from former England team-mate Gary Lineker and is growing increasingly concerned the Government may be about to backtrack.

Shilton, who has a record 125 England caps, said: “The fact we didn’t get any sort of reply is so disappointing. Gary Lineker is behind us. You’d have thought it at least deserved a reply.

“We put the letter in last September and we feel aggrieved we haven’t even had a reply. It’s been postponed so much, the White Paper was originally due in December and you wonder why it’s been delayed.”

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan-smith claims he will “go to war” with the Government if there is a U-turn amid concerns the economy would suffer with an advertising ban.

Ministers may now look to compromise on imposing a levy on betting firms, with discussions still ongoing but the Government review looks likely to be less hard hitting than originally anticipated.

A 45-year gambling habit cost Shilton millions – he paid out £800,000 to a single bookmaker – and he warns more must be done to lessen the influence that betting advertising can have when coupled with football.

“Certainly for kids seeing betting advertising on shirts, it does glamourise gambling,” he said. “There needs to be a lot of work done on advertising as well but banning shirt sponsorship would be a big statement.

“The industry needs stronger regulation.”