Scottish football clubs must issue 'unreserved apology' to victims of historic sexual abuse

The independent review, which was first ordered in 2016, has been published today and reveals within its 192 pages the testimonies of dozens of survivors who endured "incalculable" suffering at the hands of officials. 

Authors of the report said they were shocked how easy it was for people to use their "good standing" to infiltrate Scottish football and gain unfettered access to children. 

However, in the majority of cases, the Scottish-FA commissioned review found no-one in the game had concrete evidence of abuse at the time, but said there were levels of suspicion which could have been acted on. 

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell today issued another apology to victims.

Rangers, Celtic, and Partick Thistle were among the clubs named in the report. 

Other major findings in the Independent Review of Sexual Abuse include: 

• Senior figures at Celtic FC, including a former board member, were likely to have been aware of allegations of historic abuse taking place with its feeder club (Celtic Boys Club) but authorities were not alerted
• The report also found it concerning a coach (Jim Torbett) was allowed to return to the club in a fundraising capacity just years after suspicion arose about his behaviour 
• The report also said it was "inadequate" for clubs to avoid issuing an apology simply because they had changed their governance, their name, or their company status or ownership in the years since abuse had taken place  
• No evidence could be found that Rangers board members contacted police after sacking a paedophile youth coach (Gordon Neely, who died in 2014 from cancer) in 1991
• The review found the publication of an in-house article wishing Neely well after his departure "ill-judged" 
• However, he was dismissed as soon as senior managers at the club became aware (this was commended by the report) 
• A former Partick Thistle senior player revealed how the squad was told a physiotherapist had been removed from his duties when allegations of abuse arose - despite the club saying it had no record of his (the alleged abuser's) employment 
• The Scottish FA turned its back on a man who revealed he had been raped by a top flight assistant referee 
• Known paedophiles worked together to groom boys and trafficked them over the UK and internationally 
• The report noted it was impressed with the speed the Scottish FA and clubs had implement a child protection and wellbeing strategy after a 2018 interim report

The review stressed it was not to attribute blame but insisted those who failed to protect young people should now be held accountable. 

What has the report recommended? 

A total of 97 recommendations have been made, including calls for individual clubs to make apologies and for the game to do more to tackle homophobia. 

Other notable points include:

• "An urgent review of the Scottish FA affiliate membership structure should be undertaken with a view to reform." 
• "The Scottish FA Handbook should be updated to include a section on the wellbeing and protection of children and young people containing the requirements related to standards and required compliance." 
• "There is substantial evidence to suggest that a number of young people have suddenly and unexpectedly left clubs as a reaction to sexual abuse but there has been no system of consistent due diligence for follow-up on the part of clubs." 
• "The Review recommends that representations of ‘vulnerability’ in training, policy, public materials, campaigns and targeted intervention in Scottish football (and in sport in general) should take full account of young people who do not conform to predominant stereotypes of 'vulnerability' especially in relation to how they may become exposed to risk of sexual abuse or exploitation in a football context." 
• "The Review is acutely aware that it is likely that many people personally and directly affected by sexual abuse either in the past or more recently have not come forward."
• "It is recommended that all staff (whether professional players, managers, coaches, support staff, volunteers or whoever) are made aware of how to respond, both interpersonally and in terms of onward protection and wellbeing, to personal revelations of experience of sexual abuse or other possible mental health problems."

Many of the recommendations (around 80%, according to the Scottish FA) are already being implemented or in progress. 

What has been said today? 

Scottish FA chief executive Maxwell was the first senior figure within the game to comment.

He said: “As chief executive of the Scottish FA I am deeply upset by the contents of the final report into sexual abuse in Scottish football and, in particular, by the deeply personal, traumatic experiences endured by young players who were abused by people in whom they and their families placed their trust.

Ian Maxwell

 “I reiterate my sincerest apology on behalf of Scottish football to all who have experienced abuse in our national game. 

“The report also recognises the progress that the Scottish FA and its members have made to achieve the highest standards of wellbeing and protection for children and young people to play our national sport safely today.

“Since the board issued a directive in 2016 we can report that 80% of the original recommendations are either completed or in progress. The work is ongoing, overseen by the Independent Wellbeing and Protection Advisory Board and implemented through our Wellbeing and Protection department: themselves evidence of our commitment to the review and its recommendations.  

“As the report also states, football provides a tremendous outlet for young people in Scotland and it is the responsibility of everyone involved in Scottish football to protect and cultivate that for future generations.” 

Lawyers in the city have also had their say.

Laura Connor, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors and head of the firm Historic Abuse Unit - representing dozens of survivors of sexual abuse at foodtball clubs - said: “The long awaited release of the SFA report is welcomed and I hope that those involved and more widely affected can take some consolation from it.

"It has taken much courage from survivors to speak to the inquiry team about their experiences which allowed this report to be prepare and concluded.

"I hope that they are not now let down by the response from the SFA and clubs." 

What have the clubs named in the report said today? 

Partick Thistle said they remained "committed to cooperating fully with all investigations" and apologised. 

A statement added: "We fully acknowledge the impact of these events and their enduring effect on those affected.

READ MORE: Partick Thistle issue apology to victims of sex abuse in Scottish football

"Thistle regards the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people associated with the club as being of paramount importance.

"Safeguarding is an everyday part of all Thistle does and we will continue to uphold the strictest standards of compliance with all safeguarding legislation, now and in future." 

The Glasgow Times has contacted Rangers and Celtic for comment.

Anyone affected by the revelations or issues raised in the report should call police on 101. 

You can call the NSPCC Helpline for people abused in football: 0800 023 2642

Or email the Scottish FA: childrenswellbeing@scottishfa.co.uk  

This is a developing story. More to follow...