RUSSELL MARTIN knows all about the damage gambling does to families.
And the ex-Scotland and Rangers defender has hailed the Premier League’s decision to ban sponsorship of it on the front of team shirts.
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Swansea boss Martin is scarred by memories of having to move house in Brighton due to his father’s gambling addiction.
He said: “I had to move when I was eight years old after my dad lost the house because he was a gambling addict.
“We then moved to a house opposite a bookmakers, which was really good for my dad but not very good for the rest of us. So I really don’t like it.
“It makes me feel uneasy if I’ve even gone to the horses for a day and it’s a casual thing.”
Premier League clubs agreed not to use betting brands on the front of their kits from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Scottish clubs have revealed they will not follow suit.
Clubs will still be allowed to display bookies on their sleeves and pitchside boards
Martin’s club agreed a sponsorship deal with Swansea University in 2020 after having bookmakers’ names on their shirts for the previous four seasons.
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He added: “There’s enough money in the league now for everyone to function and to sustain themselves.
“I’m sure all the clubs will find a sponsor willing to give them, if not as much money, then somewhere close.”
Meanwhile, Rangers winger Ryan Kent is set for an approach from Burnley in the coming weeks as he enters the final couple of months of his Ibrox contract.
SunSport understand’s the newly promoted side, managed by Man City legend Vincent Kompany, are interested in landing the forward on a free ahead of their upcoming Premier League campaign.
Kent missed the Light Blues’ clash with St Mirren yesterday through injury, but Burnley scouts are set to watch him before the end of the season.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page