PFA Deputy CEO Barnes Supports CEO Taylor After Reports Of Gambling Debt

Professional Footballers' Association Deputy CEO Bobby Barnes insisted that PFA CEO Gordon Taylor "is not a hypocrite amid allegations that he has run up large gambling debts," according to the PA. Taylor "has received the full support of the players' union after reports emerged claiming he had amassed a personal debt" of more than £100,000 ($157,000) to a bookmaker. Barnes said, "I think it's been well known that Gordon is someone who likes a bet occasionally. I think what Gordon has been pointing out is that, particularly for a footballer where the perception might be that for one reason or another it was undesirable to place bets, it is safer for that player not to bet altogether." Barnes "could not comment on the six-figure sum Taylor is reported to have lost gambling on football." But he claimed the CEO is not "experiencing any financial difficulties" (PA, 9/9).