Former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper Rab Douglas warns that gambling is rampant in Scottish soccer, and claims some players are routinely checking bets during half-time.
Writing in The Courier, Douglas—currently goalkeeping coach at Championship Arbroath—called on the Scottish Football Association to “do something constructive” about the link between gambling and soccer.
Betting in soccer has been common for some time, Douglas wrote. “It used to be the Littlewoods coupons and now you can bet on pretty much anything to do with a game, or any other sport for that matter.
Douglas also referenced the case of Hamilton manager Brian Rice, who earlier this week admitted to having a gambling addiction and revealed he had reported himself to the SFA for allegedly breaching the association’s rules on betting.
“Brian was quite right to describe it as a `disease,’” Douglas said. “Nobody would choose to be addicted to gambling just like they wouldn’t choose to be addicted to smoking or alcohol. Brian needs support and help. Punishment is certainly not the answer. Nothing would be gained by hammering him. This is the time for the SFA to do something constructive.
Douglas called for help before the situation gets more out of hand. “The temptation is too great,” he said, “and it needs to be lessened.”
