MP Monica Lennon has written to the Scottish Football Association in support of Hamilton head coach Brian Rice, who faces a disciplinary hearing for breaching betting regulations.<\/p>\n
Rice reported himself to the SFA earlier this month after admitting he had suffered a relapse in his battle against a horrible gambling addiction.<\/p>\n
In her letter to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, Lennon describes gambling addiction as a major public health issue in our society that the football community is not immune from.<\/p>\n
She adds: The stigma associated with problem gambling is a barrier to people and their families getting help. It must have been incredibly difficult for Brian Rice, head coach at Hamilton Accies, to come forward and disclose his gambling addiction.<\/p>\n
In my capacity as a Central Scotland MSP and as health and sport spokesperson for my party, I have a close working relationship with Hamilton Accies and I know that their community outreach work supporting people affected by the harms of alcohol and drugs misuse and problem gambling is saving lives in Lanarkshire and beyond.<\/p>\n
This is the positive difference that clubs can make in our community and I am keen to discuss with you the wider contribution the Scottish Football Association can make to this public health and well-being agenda.<\/p>\n
I know that the club is taking Brian Rices welfare very seriously and I have been heartened by the overwhelmingly compassionate response from fans.<\/p>\n
Addiction is always cloaked in secrecy and denial, but Brian has taken the courageous step of admitting he has a problem and it is vital that he gets the help he needs.<\/p>\n
I urge you to be mindful of the nature of addiction and to recognise it is an illness. Punishment doesnt break the cycle of addiction; if only it were that easy.<\/p>\n
I would strongly welcome any new measures by the SFA to encourage anyone affected by problem gambling to seek help. Proposals for an amnesty would send a strong message to players, coaching staff and fans who are living with the fear and shame of problem gambling.<\/p>\n
The sanctions available to the SFA disciplinary panel range from a three-match to a 16-match ban to expulsion from the game in the most serious of cases, and a fine of up to 100,000.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read the rest here:<\/p>\n
Rice receives support of MP in battle against 'horrible' gambling addiction - FourFourTwo USA<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MP Monica Lennon has written to the Scottish Football Association in support of Hamilton head coach Brian Rice, who faces a disciplinary hearing for breaching betting regulations. Continue reading