GAMBLING WITH LIVES
EX-PLAYER’S BETTING FEARS FOR FOOTBALL
Graeme Donohoe Former Hearts star Kevin Twaddle has told how a footballer with a betting addiction almost jumped from the Forth Road Bridge.
Twaddle – who now counsels players with gambling problems – said the desperate pro drove to the landmark after racking up losses.
The footbal ler ended up pleading for help a f ter contacting his worried family.
Recovering addict Twaddle is now helping him to try to kick his habit.
Twaddle gambled £1million dur ing his career, which included playing for Motherwell and St Johnstone.
He has cal led on the Scottish Government to ban betting sponsorship in the game after the English FA ended their £ 4million-ayear deal with Ladbrokes. The game’s bosses south of the Border decided they could not justify having a betting partner following a threemonth review.
Betting companies have pumped £4million into Scottish football by sponsoring the SPFL, Scottish Cup and League Cup, while Celtic, Rangers and Hibs are backed by gambling firms.
Twaddle said: “Gambling is causing carnage in Scottish football. A lot of players are struggl ing massively with major gambling problems. There’s an epidemic.
“I was talking to a boy earlier this month who was totally and utterly broken and had thought about jumping off the Forth Road Bridge. He’d actually driven there to do it.
“He had obviously gone there to commit suicide but couldn’t follow through, thank God.
“But even just to contemplate it is bad enough. He thought it was his only way out but he’s now seeking help and hopefully can turn his life around. I won’t say what league he’s playing in but he’s in Scottish football.”
Twaddle added: “Football isn’t the lovable game it used to be – it’s now just an industry.
“To be able to bet on the first corner, the first throw-in, the first booking – it’s no wonder people get themselves in a whole lot of bother.
“I would have been jailed if I was still playing – without a shadow of a doubt.”
S t r ic t r u l e s pr e v e n t footbal lers bet ting on matches but the sport has suffered a series of controversies which has seen top names disciplined for gambling on games.
Twaddle said: “It’s hypocritical that Scottish football is run by gambling companies.
“The SFA and SPFL should be doing the exact same as the FA. And if Scottish football isn’t prepared to sort this out, then Holyrood should step in.” Ladbrokes extended their £2million-a-year deal with the SPFL in Apri l. Bosses also agreed a £ 1million- plus three-year
The FA’s decision to ditch their £16million sponsorship is softened by the fact they rake in £ 8.5billion in TV deals.
Former first minister Henry McLeish has also called for Scottish footbal l to drop gambling sponsorship.
McLeish – who authored a 2010 Scottish football review – said: “I’m delighted with the FA’s decision but it’s important to point out they are in a totally different financial position.
“It may take a bit of time but I think an assertion from Scottish football saying, ‘ We want to move on to different kinds of sponsorship,’ would be an enormous boost for the game.”
The SFA said: “We are grateful to William Hill for their investment and support of Scottish football for almost a decade.”