Gambling addiction has ensnared a generation of young male football fans.
Their lives have been transformed into a cycle of debt and despair.
In too many cases it ends in tragedy, like the suicide of 29-year-old Philip Tomlinson.
He left his mum Kindal a note saying: “I’m sorry to be a burden.”
But it’s not Philip who is the burden. Or the thousands like him, trapped in spiral of broken dreams and hopelessness.
Responsibility lies with the football clubs, the FA, the betting companies and the Government.
Turning a blind eye to the anguish caused by the incessant pressure to bet is no longer acceptable.
It is time for them to take action to end the plight of Philip and the gamblification of our national sport.
More than £14billion was lost last year on sport-related betting, according to the Gambling Commission. One third of that online, made easy as a couple of clicks.
Betting has become a normalised part of sport, with marketing, sponsorship, advertising and special deals targeted specifically at football.
The Football Association showed callous disregard with their recent £750million deal allowing betting companies to broadcast FA Cup matches.
As a first step the clubs should agree a larger levy to fund research and, importantly, treatment for addiction.
The display of betting ads on players’ shirts should be urgently reviewed and tougher regulations introduced.
Football may be a dream come true for the players but it’s a nightmare for too many fans.
