A NEW TWIST
Motherwell the latest club to be caught up in abuse scandal
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MOTHERWELL have launched a ‘forensic’ investigation into possible historical child abuse at the club — after receiving ‘concrete’ allegations that physio John Hart may have been guilty of offences as a Fir Park employee before he went on to commit further crimes at Partick Thistle.
On the day when the staggering extent of football’s abuse scandal was revealed, with almost 100 UK clubs and more than 80 coaches identified by authorities investigating offences against children as young as seven, Motherwell revealed that preliminary findings from a week-long internal inquiry had now been passed on to Police Scotland.
And they are to continue looking into fresh allegations
relating to Hart, who was sacked by the Steelmen before moving on to Thistle. Earlier this week, it emerged that the Jags had axed Hart — who died in 1995 — following similar allegations.
Initial inquiries by Motherwell, launched as a result of the gathering storm surrounding football, turned up a great deal of hearsay about ‘inappropriate banter’ and some borderline behaviour in the dressing room by Hart.
But further testimony relating to his departure from the club revealed what one insider called ‘more concrete evidence and allegations of offences’.
In a statement released last night, Motherwell revealed: ‘As a result of the extensive coverage relating to allegations of historic child abuse in football, the directors of Motherwell FC began an internal investigation to ascertain whether it is possible any such incidents could have occurred at the club in the past.
‘Having spoken to a number of people who had connections to the club in the period covering the late 1970s and 1980s, we have decided to widen the investigation and have employed a forensic accountant to assist us with the examination of employment records and club documents from the period.
‘We have made both Police Scotland and the Scottish FA fully aware of the nature of our investigation.
‘We will continue with that process, but all information collated to date has been passed to the relevant authorities. The club will wait until the conclusion of the investigation before making any further comment.
‘In the meantime, Motherwell FC would urge anyone who may have been affected by abuse in football to contact Police Scotland or the NSPCC helpline (0800 0232642) set up to support and advise victims of abuse.’
A shocking 83 potential suspects at 98 British clubs had been identified as a result of investigations into alleged abuse, it emerged yesterday.
Police Scotland are one of 21 forces throughout the UK digging into the ever-growing pile of revelations and allegations, while the SFA set up a joint task force with the police and have been working with the NSPCC.
In yet another disturbing development, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said yesterday that officers have had 639 cases referred to them from the NSPCC’s helpline or direct calls to police.
They released a statement revealing that in the fortnight since former Crewe player Andy Woodward gave a harrowing account of his own abuse, 83 potential suspects had been identified with 98 football clubs impacted by the allegations.
The figures, described by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children as ‘shocking’, also disclosed that the age range for potential victims spans from just seven through to 20 — with 98 per cent of those identified male.
No clubs were named by the NPCC but it has already emerged that coaches with links to Chelsea, Manchester City, Stoke City, Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic, Blackpool and Crewe have been accused of abuse.
The clubs involved range from the English Premier League to amateur level.
NPCC lead child protection officer Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: ‘Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.
‘We are also liaising closely with the Football Association to ensure all relevant information they hold is shared to inform investigations moving forward.
‘When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks and ensure that appropriate action is being taken to prevent children being abused today.’
An NSPCC spokesman said: ‘These shocking numbers now identified by police reveal the deeply disturbing extent of abuse that has been going on within football.
‘Our football hotline, launched with the support of the FA, saw a staggering surge in calls in its first week and anyone who wants to contact us can continue to do so in confidence, with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.’
It comes as clubs across the country have been implicated in a growing scandal gripping the sport, with Southampton facing the prospect of potential legal action by former youth players.
Scotland Yard said its team would work with Operation Hydrant, the over-arching nationwide investigation into historical child sex abuse.
English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has written to the parents of over 3,000 players enrolled in the Academy system down south, offering reassurance about protection.
In the letter sent out to parents of the children aged eight to 18, Scudamore admitted the league had been ‘very concerned’ by the allegations of historical sexual abuse at professional football clubs.
‘The victims and survivors have been extremely brave to come forward and have our sympathy and support,’ he said. ‘Given the volume of media coverage that these disturbing stories understandably continue to generate, it is important that you... are made aware of the current standards and provisions in place to keep your children safe.
‘There is no complacency — the Premier League’s own safeguarding team and independent monitors visit each club regularly throughout every season to assess the quality of their work and guide them on any developments that could be made.’
The SPFL haven’t followed suit because, unlike in England, the academy system north of the border is run by the national Association, rather than the league.