Leigh Griffiths, the former Celtic and Scotland striker, has been questioned by police as part of an investigation into sports gambling.
Officers are reported to have attended his home in Bothwell with the Daily Record saying that neighbours described the incident as “chaotic”. One eye-witness said: “It was still dark and the police were using torches. Whatever they were doing, they weren’t discreet about it.
“It was chaotic. They were still there when people were going to work.”
The 32-year-old Griffiths was taken to London Road police station in Glasgow. He was released without charge and denies any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said it had carried out a “pre-planned” operation on Thursday December 1.
The force issued a statement, saying: “Following a pre-planned police operation on Thursday, December 1, three men aged 37, 35 and 32 were arrested in the Bothwell, Bonnyrigg and Airdrie areas in connection with an investigation into alleged gambling incidents in sport.
“All three men were released without charge pending further enquiries.”
One of the men is reported to be the Dundee player Paul McGowan.
The Daily Mail reported that bookmakers flagged up alleged suspicious betting patterns around a league game between Dundee and Hearts on December 18 last year. Hearts won the game 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Jamie Walker. However, several gambling firms raised concerns over a number of bets placed on yellow cards for Dundee players.
A statement released by Dundee read: “Dundee Football Club are aware of the ongoing Police Scotland investigation as reported in the media this morning.
“The club will support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time.”
Griffiths won seven league titles, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups with Celtic.
In 2017 the striker secured his place in Scottish footballing folklore by scoring two free kicks for the national side in a 2-2 draw against England at Hampden.
He has been without a club for six months, having most recently played for Australian side Mandurah City, and has been training with Livingston.
