Kyle Lafferty admits gambling addiction as Hearts chief Ann Budge vows to support striker in his battle

  • Hearts and Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty has lost thousands betting
  • Last year he was fined £23,000 by the FA for breaking rules while at Norwich 
  • Lafferty has opened up to BBC Scotland in a bid to help him battle his addiction

Kyle Lafferty has bared his soul over the gambling addiction he feared would destroy his career.

The Hearts and Northern Ireland striker's issues first came to the attention of the football authorities in England last February.


Charged with gambling on two Spanish football matches, he was fined £23,000 and sought help from the Sporting Chance clinic.

Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty has admitted he has a gambling addiction

Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty has admitted he has a gambling addiction

But it was not until recently that the 30-year-old felt able to tell the Tynecastle club about the extent of his addiction.

On Tuesday, the former Rangers forward publicly fronted up to his addiction as he prepares to battle his demons in public.

'I put my career on the line,' Lafferty told BBC Scotland. 'With the mindset I had, a grand was like a tenner.

'After the betting charge, the FA helped me. I spoke to the Sporting Chance clinic and I was seeing a guy in London every one or two weeks for an hour-long meeting about my gambling.

'But that was the cowardly way of doing it. You can just show face and give the impression that you're looking for help and then, half an hour later, you're probably in a bookies on the way home.

'Now I'm ready to say I've got an addiction to gambling.'

Lafferty, who signed for Hearts in the summer after being released by Norwich City, thanked Tynecastle boss Craig Levein and owner Ann Budge for their support after he revealed his addiction.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill and his right-hand man Austin MacPhee — who is also on the coaching staff at Tynecastle — were also praised for their invaluable backing.

Budge on Tuesday night spoke of her respect and admiration for Lafferty.

She said: 'I would like to formally record our total support for Kyle Lafferty as he moves forward to deal with his acknowledged addiction to gambling.

'Kyle took the enormously brave step of coming to the club and asking for help.

'No one should underestimate how difficult that decision was for him and his family.

'Kyle has the total backing of the coaching staff and his team-mates as he deals with this challenge.

'It is a testament to the great footballer and character he is that he has in no way allowed his personal battle to affect his performance on the training ground or on the football field. For the avoidance of doubt, Kyle will continue to train and play as normal.

'Hearts fans have taken Kyle to their hearts since he joined the club in the summer and I have absolutely no doubt that they will continue to back him as we all strive to help him deal with this enormous personal problem.'

In a statement, Northern Ireland boss O'Neill also backed Lafferty.

He said: 'I admire Kyle for speaking so openly and honestly about his battle with gambling.

'We have talked about it at length and I have assured him that he has the full support of me, my staff and everyone at the Irish Football Association.'