Rooney shirt number a ‘crafty’ link to betting, says sports minister
The Government’s new sports minister has suggested Derby County should consider changing Wayne Rooney’s shirt number, after branding the club “crafty” over the deal’s links to a gambling firm.
In his first briefing to journalists, Nigel Adams expressed concerns at the involvement of 32Red in helping the club sign the former England captain.
Adams joins a Church of England bishop, the former minister who launched Britain’s current gambling laws and a host of campaigners in questioning whether Rooney should be allowed to take the No32 shirt as part of an apparent tie-in with the online casino.
“It’s a bit crafty,” Adams said, adding that he understood the outrage. “I’ve seen the impact that problem gambling can have. The authorities are very clear with guidelines in terms of what can and can’t appear, particularly on youngsters’ shirts. So I would urge the clubs to abide by not just the spirit but the rules of what the Gambling Commission and the FA have laid down.” Asked if Derby should change Rooney’s shirt number when he completes his move from DC United in January, Adams said: “It’s a matter for Derby. I would ask them to look within themselves and think about the impact that problem gambling can have on some in society, particularly vulnerable people and youngsters as well. They have got a social responsibility to be mature and grown up.” Advertising standards sources suggested the decision to give Rooney the 32 shirt in association with the betting firm could be interpreted by the Football Association as a potential breach in the rules. Derby can only be approached by the ruling body after Rooney takes the field, and the promotion becomes “live”.
Speaking at a Commonwealth Games media launch at Edgbaston, Adams said he would maintain the Government’s commitment to improving women’s participation in grass-roots sport. “Participation is a key driver for me,” he said.
He went on to say the UK’S thriving sector was “hugely important” as Britain prepares for Brexit.
A major concern in football for Adams is the plight of League One Bury, who have less than two weeks to address financial problems if they are to avoid expulsion from the English Football League. Adams said fresh scrutiny of bad ownership of clubs was “on my agenda”.
“It is desperately sad that a club like Bury have these issues. It is incredibly sad that their fans have been denied football at the start of the season. But the FA have to put their foot down. They have to make sure that clubs are financially stable and they can pay their creditors.”
In contrast, Adams considers the Premier League to be in rude health, and clubs will have no problem signing players from Europe in the event of a no-deal Brexit. “I don’t think there will be huge issues around freedom of movement, especially people on £150,000 a week,” he said.