Gambling in football an epidemic, says ex-player

A former footballer is calling on the Scottish Government to end betting sponsorship of football to help beat an “epidemic” of gamblingaddictionamong players.

Ex-hearts player Kevin Twaddle, who lost more than £1 million gambling while he was a player, now gives counselling to footballers struggling with the problem.

He said one desperate player had nearly jumped off the Forth Road Bridge because of his addiction.

Mr Twaddle, who also played for Motherwell and St Johnstone, said Scotland should follow the example of the English FA, which ended its sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes.

Mr Twaddle said: “Gambling is causing carnage in Scottish football. A lot of players are struggling massively with major gambling problems.

The SFA has said it has no plans to reconsider its commercial relationship with betting firms.