PROFESSIONAL football in England is “rotten to the core” Colchester’s MP claims.

Lib Dem Sir Bob Russell told Parliament yesterday a Royal commission was needed to clean up the sport.

The Colchester United fan slammed “parasitic agents” for taking millions of pounds out of the game. His comments came after six people were arrested by police investigating spot-fixing, where incidents, such as red and yellow cards, are said to be fixed and gambled on. U’s manager Joe Dunne said the allegations, which included League One matches not involving the club, were “too close to home”.

A Royal commission would see a Government-appointed group investigating and making recommendations. Sir Bob said: “I think there is general agreement professional football in this country is rotten to the core, not least as a result of parasitic agents taking millions a year out of the game and of football wasting riches in the same way governments wasted North Sea oil revenues.

“The select committee on culture, media and sport has done a good job with its report and recommendations. But does the minister agree what we need now is a Royal commission to clean up the game?”

Sports minister Helen Grant disagreed, and said football authorities had brought in reforms during the summer.