SAFEGUARDS MUST BE IN PLACE

CHILD protection measures in Scottish football were labelled “not fit for purpose” in a searing review last year.

An independent report branded policies “inadequate” and called for a “significant and serious sea change” in the culture of Scottish football to reduce the risk of abuse taking place.

The review panel – chaired by former police child protection and charity CEO Martin Henry – criticised a “lack of leadership and inadequate governance” on child protection. It added that football in Scotland urgently needed a comprehensive safeguarding strategy.

The review said the findings should be considered a “line in the sand” moment for football north of the Border and issued nearly 100 recommendations for change.

The interim report stated: “The time for such change is overdue.”

The SFA commissioned the review at the end of 2016 following an “unprecedented” number of allegations of non-recent sexual abuse in the sport.