Leigh Griffiths questioned by police in sports gambling probe

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths has been questioned by police investigating gambling in sport.

The 32-year-old footballer confirmed officers came to his home in South Lanarkshire at 07:00 on Thursday.

Officers took him to the London Road police station in Glasgow.

Griffiths said he was not arrested and has denied any wrongdoing. He declined to discuss the subject of the questioning.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said it had carried out a "pre-planned" operation on Thursday.

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 inquiries."

Police investigation

It is understood that one of the three men arrested is 35-year-old Dundee player Paul McGowan.

The club released a statement saying it was aware of the ongoing Police Scotland investigation.

"The club will support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time," it said.

Leigh 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 and has been training with Livingston.

McGowan has played more than 200 times for Dundee, having previously played with Celtic and St Mirren before joining the club in 2014.