Wayne Rooney's father has been arrested in relation to an alleged football betting scam, according to reports.

Thomas Rooney was arrested at his Liverpool home following an investigation into claims of suspicious betting activity regarding Motherwell's 2-1 defeat to Hearts last December.

The Manchester United player's uncle Richie was also among the nine men detained in relation to the alleged scam.

Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, who was sent off after eight minutes in the game, has been arrested over the affair. Bets made in Liverpool for a Motherwell player to be given a red card on the day of the match prompted an investigation into match fixing.

"The Scottish FA has received notification from the Gambling Commission that the Motherwell FC player, Steve Jennings, was arrested at his home today by Merseyside Police," Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said earlier today.

"This follows extensive enquiries in relation to alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14, 2010.

"While the investigation involves several other individuals out with Scotland, it is important to stress that the evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has involved only one Scottish match."