IBROX CLUB ISSUE AN APOLOGY TO THE VICTIMS OF ABUSE IN SCOTTISH GAME

RANGERS have issued a public apology to ‘anyone personally affected by abuse within Scottish football’. The Ibrox club’s acknowledgment follows last month’s publication of an independent SFA report into historic sexual abuse allegations within the sport. Rangers said they had taken ‘some time to consider the lengthy findings and recommendations’ contained within the 192-page review. They recognised the report accepted how the club dealt with allegations involving former youth coach Gordon Neely — referred to as ‘D’ within the review’s findings. Expressing ‘sincere sympathy’ to all abuse victims, a statement on the Rangers website said it was incumbent on Scottish football to take responsibility for mistakes made in the past.

The statement read: ‘We are firmly committed to ensuring openness and transparency in relation to this issue and agree on the uninterrupted ethical obligation of clubs over time, irrespective of changes. ‘We express our sincere sympathy to all individuals who have suffered abuse within the Scottish game and commend the bravery of all survivors who have come forward. ‘With regard to the specific instances referred to, as the report states, these concerned one former employee. ‘We note the report accepts that when former senior managers were last provided with a direct allegation this was taken seriously and dealt with promptly. ‘The report commends the action taken and acknowledges Rangers have previously said publicly the matter was reported to the police at the time. ‘Today, Rangers is at the forefront of child safety and well-being in football. We believe it is a moral obligation to ensure that Scottish football is beyond reproach and all safeguarding measures are strictly adhered to. ‘We agree that it is time for all of Scottish football to learn from and take responsibility for mistakes made in the past. We fully acknowledge the impact of these events and the enduring effect on individual lives. We apologise to anyone personally affected by abuse within Scottish football.’ The review was led by former children’s charity executive, Martin Henry. Partick Thistle, Motherwell and Hibs issued statements when the report was published, with Celtic following the day after.