DON’T BLAME THE BOOKIES

SCOTTISH football would be in the grubber were it not for the backing of gambling firms, so less of the pious nonsense about the game having a responsibility to cleanse itself of their presence.

They provide badly-needed finance to our game. And the argument that those everstrengthening links are somehow the reason for the likes of Joey Barton gambling against his own team is risible. How predictable that the well-worn rubbish about his upbringing was also trotted out to explain away another transgression.

This ‘working-class hero’ is no kind of advert for his old neighbourhood and, no doubt, an embarrassment to the many good people who have come from the Huyton area of Liverpool.

As Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stated, players must show personal responsibility and an acceptance of the rules when it comes to betting.

What the Scottish FA now need to do is crack down in terms of punishments.

Ex-Rangers midfielder Ian Black received a ten-match ban, seven of those suspended, when found to have bet against his own team three times and wagered on games involving his club a further ten times.

It seemed lenient then. Barton’s 18-month suspension makes it appear more so now.