Aston Villa legend dropped from bookmaker's advertising campaign
A bookmaker has dropped former gambling addict and footballer Paul Merson from its advertising campaign, it emerged tonight.
Ian Hogg, managing director of Better, said the decision was made after the firm received "lots" of complaints.
Ex-England star Merson, 41, formerly of Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, has fought a well-documented gambling addiction.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon Show, Mr Hogg said: "We've obviously caused some offence to people and we are pulling the campaign.
"We have no wish to cause any offence or inflame gambling as an issue."
Mr Hogg told the show that he had responded to criticism of the move.
