PFA 'fully supports' chief exec

Gordon Taylor's deputy, Bobby Barnes, has issued a statement confirming the players' union is standing by its chief executive following allegations he has accrued serious gambling debts.

He said the PFA, under Taylor's leadership, would continue to "raise awareness levels and educate" union members over gambling, which is "part of our culture". The full statement reads:

Professional Footballers Association chief executive Gordon Taylor continues to have the "full support" of the players' union following allegations of gambling debts, the PFA has said in a statement.

The union's 12-man committee, led by PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle, is understood to have met to discuss his future after The Sun reported Taylor has accrued a six-figure debt.

The Professional Footballers' Association is expected to rule on Gordon Taylor's future as chief executive after a report by The Sun which claimed he has accrued a six-figure gambling debt.

A statement is expected today from the players' union clarifying his future after discussions between the 12-man PFA committee led by PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle.

The issue is particularly sensitive given the large PFA sanctions issued to players and club officials for breaching betting rules.

A senior PFA source told the Press Association that Taylor's job is not at risk following the newspaper's allegations.

Read: PFA chief warns football is 'in danger of losing its soul'