CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB HAS A HISTORY OF ABUSING BOYS - FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE CHILD GROOMERS
A seven-figure payout has been agreed for a lawsuit over claims of historical sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, a law firm has said.
Thompsons Solicitors is acting for about 30 former Celtic Boys Club players and said about 70% of the cases had been settled by Celtic Plc. The firm expects further settlements in the coming weeks.
The case relates to abuse at the youth club – which was not formally affiliated with Celtic FC – by the convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney.
Celtic said in a statement: “Celtic Football Club is appalled by any form of historic abuse and has great sympathy for those who suffered abuse and for their families. The club is very sorry that these events took place at Celtic Boys’ Club. The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.”
Celtic and Thompsons Solicitors said they hoped for rapid settlement of further cases. Laura Connor, partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard. This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.
“At long last they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club.”