Beautiful game’s darkest days
FLOODLIGHTS BBC2, 9pm
THIS powerful feature-length drama tells the harrowing story of Andy Woodward.
In November 2016, the former professional footballer found the strength to go public about sexual abuse by his youth coach, Barry Bennell.
His revelations sent shock waves throughout the industry and across the globe, plunging British football into crisis.
Hundreds more men, many also victims of vile Bennell, found the courage to speak up about their experiences of abuse, lifting the lid on a national scandal.
The factual drama begins with police approaching Andy (played by Gerard Kearns) about Bennell, who is soon to be released from a spell in prison.
But a scared Andy says it’s “nothing to do with me”.
Flashing back, we see a young Andy (played by Max Fletcher), a boy with a passion for the game and thrilled to be taken under Bennell’s wing and signed to his youth academy.
Bennell (Jonas Armstrong) tells his new cohort of lads: “Trust in me. If you work with me and you relish this great opportunity, then there is absolutely no reason why I can’t make your professional football dreams come true.”
Before long, Bennell is stripping naked in the boys’ changing room, then invites them for a sleepover.
Morven Christie and Steve Edge play Andy’s mum and dad, Jean and Terry, who also believe Bennell is looking out for their son. It makes for uncomfortable viewing. “No more beds, you’re in with me. Do you want to play a game?”
The film examines the power and control held by Bennell, and Andy’s journey through the ordeal.