Celtic must not leave it too late to say sorry

They called Joe Paterno JoePa. And the legendary American football coach cast the longest of shadows across the state of Pennsylvania.

Paterno’s glorious reign in charge of Penn State University’s col lege footbal l programme over decades saw a statue built in his honour in the city of State College.

JoePa’s place in the State’s storied history appeared untouchable. But then a scandal broke around his long-time assistant Jerry Sandusky.

In 2012 Sandusky was found guilty of more than 40 sexual offences against young boys over more than 15 years.

Then it emerged that JoePa – until then one of the most revered figures in American sport – may have covered up Sandusky’s activities before he was caught a decade later.

What followed divided a city, then the whole of the US.

Paterno was fired just before he was due to retire and the National College Athletic Association struck every win he had masterminded during his brilliant career from his proud, unmatched record. Fans rioted in the street in support of the coach before the row crystallised around the Paterno statue outside Penn State’s stadium. It was eventually ripped down.

Paterno died as a long battle ensued about the extent of his involvement in any cover-up. His wins were eventually restored by the NCAA.

There are few if any direct parallels between the Penn State scandal and the conviction of former Celtic Boys Club coach Jim Torbett last week. The story does, however, illustrate the potentially corrosive effects of anything short of full disclosure when dealing with this issue.

What appears to be beyond doubt is that Celtic Football Club maintained a working relationship with Torbett long after it should have been unceremoniously terminated.

Continuing business transactions between Celtic and Torbett’s Trophy Centre business were highlighted in 2002 after his first conviction in 1998.

The club expressed its “deep regret” over Torbett’s actions and offered sympathy with his victims while maintaining that Celtic Boys Club were a separate legal entity from the football club.

Regardless of that, Celtic should have gone further. Past regimes gave Torbett house room when the horrific truth about his activities had come to light.

For this alone Celtic Football Club should show they are big enough to go further than the statement they issued last week whatever the potential legal ramifications.

Past regimes gave Torbett house room even after the truth came to light