Lawyer: At least 20 abuse victims at Celtic Boys’ Club
Firm reveals more cases after disgraced coach jailed for six years
Twenty men have come forward to allege they suffered abuse at Celtic Boys Club.
Many of those claim they were sexually abused by jailed Celtic Boys Club founder James Torbett.
But some claim they were abused by others involved in the club.
Lawyer Patrick McGuire of Thompsons Solicitors says he expects to make claims on behalf of “at least twenty” survivors.
He said: “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if even more came forward in light of Torbett’s conviction last week.”
Mr Mcguire said it was “time for Celtic to f a ce up to its responsibilities”.
He said: “Terrible things were done in the name of Celtic, and it’s time for directors to live up to their responsibilities as individuals as well as representatives of the club.
“They have a legal and moral responsibility to acknowledge terrible wrongs were done in the name of the club, and as well as a sincere apology, they need to face up to the consequences of that.”
After Torbett’s conviction Celtic FC issued a statement speaking of its regret – but stressing the two organisations were entirely separate.
Celtic FC said: “Following the conviction of Mr James Torbett at Glasgow Sheriff Cour t, Celtic Football Club wishes to express our deep regret that the incidents took place and sympathy for the victims who suffered abuse.
“Although Celtic FC is an entirely separate organisation, we have always taken these allegations extremely seriously because of our historic contacts with Celtic Boys’ Club.”
Celtic did not respond to a request for a comment on the latest allegations.