Celtic face threat of multimillion pound compensation claim(The Times)

[bazil]

Let us not forget that children were made to phone home with fictitious results from fictitious overseas tournaments.

No doubt they were abused during that time.

Moreover, taking them somewhere that was not intended without parental consent is abduction.

I think that is a realy good point

 

[Athletico Parsnips]

If it does go to court, I hope there is someone similar to James Doleman (but not him) covering it, as I doubt it will be reported fairly in the msm.

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

You absolutely sure now Tommy? Final call

Funny

 

[Blues and Royals]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...say-victims-of-abuse-at-feeder-club-fc7hgm05g

Fans must press Celtic for apology, say victims of abuse at feeder club
Marc Horne
August 7 2019, 12:01am, The Times

Celtic FC insists that it is not legally culpable for the abuse at the boys’ clubJAN KRUGER/UEFA/GETTY IMAGES

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Survivors of systematic child sex abuse at Celtic FC’s feeder club have urged supporters to press the organisation to issue an apology.​

Thompsons Solicitors, which is pursuing compensation claims against the Parkhead club on behalf of dozens of victims, claims that the majority of fans want Celtic to accept responsibility and offer compensation.​

Patrick McGuire, a partner at the firm, called on Celtic FC to follow the example of Chelsea which yesterday issued an unreserved apology for child sex abuse at the club. Manchester City has already confirmed it will compensate abuse victims.​

Mr McGuire said he had discussed the situation with many Celtic fans. “They want survivors to be fairly compensated and expect their club to do the right thing,” he said. “On behalf of all Celtic survivors I would call on the fans to take control of this situation and use their undoubted power to demand the club faces up to their responsibilities.”​

Four men who held senior positions at Celtic Boys Club have been convicted in recent months of molesting dozens of children over three decades.​

Celtic FC insists that it is not legally culpable, describing the boys’ club as an “entirely separate organisation” with which it had “historic contacts”.​

Critics have attacked this claim and highlighted the close links between the organisations.​

Mr McGuire said: “It is a stance that is hideously cruel to the survivors, insults the intelligence of every fan and the public and is a stain on the reputation of an institution set up with egalitarian aims at its heart.”​

In June Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC, announced that the club had been conducting a two-year internal investigation, but has refused to release more details.​

Mr McGuire, who insists survivors have not been contacted by Celtic FC, said: “In contrast clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City hired a leading QC to undertake full investigations without fear or favour. It was a transparent process which pulled no punches. In Scotland we know nothing about who is conducting Celtic’s secret review.”​

He added: “What we know for certain from survivors and the charities that support them is that secrecy and deflection are the biggest hurdles that stand in the way of survivors achieving a full apology and with that some closure. The only proper course for Celtic to follow is to do what their support wants and settle this matter.”​

Chelsea hired a law firm to independently investigate child sex abuse at the club in the 1970s. The club published the findings in full yesterday and said that it had “no desire to hide any non-recent abuse we uncover”.​

It found that Eddie Heath, a former chief scout who is now dead, was a “dangerous and prolific child abuser” whose crimes went unchallenged.​

The club committed to assessing compensation claims for survivors. In a statement it apologised unreservedly for the “terrible past experience of some of our former players”. It said that its investigation would ensure that “abhorrent abuse like this can never happen again”.​

Manchester City is set to offer millions of pounds in compensation to victims of historical child sexual abuse. Under a redress scheme, survivors of the most serious crimes will receive six-figure sums in damages and a personal apology from a senior club official.​

Celtic FC failed to respond to a request for comment.​

The vast majority of Celtic fans refuse to accept their club should pay out anything to the victims. If the lawyers representing them can't understand this simple fact, then that does not fill me with confidence they are up to the task ahead.

 

[Haining84]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1158862830579408899

 

[Tim Hunter]

Again any bears who can afford it please consider subscribing to the times.

Just subscribed that article is worth the price on its own.
It absolutely nails that vile club's refusal to accept responsibility. "It is a stance that is hideously cruel to the survivors."

 

[johnkp]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1158862830579408899

Third comment in - 'Nothing about Celtic?'

 

[ghoulishworm]

Give us substance in what he says.

Reveal the extent of the number of victims thus far (sheer scale and counting), give an idea when he would expect formal action against them. Something to inspire, lift the spirits of the victims and supporters and set the beads rattling in the pineapples.

Cat among the pigeons and put them on the back foot.

And some hard hitting demands to take the wind right out of there bloated sails and have them spluttering.

 

[onceuponabriggsbear]

Make a call for the scum players to set up a compo fund for the victims (especially since it could have easily been themselves) who were raped.
That would make national news

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1158862830579408899

Sounds like we may have a new source ?

 

[Southernlion]

Reading the posts from early this morning I am struck by how recent additions to this forum seem intent on sowing dissension and disheartenedness in our ranks. Subtly, but surely, with crocodile tears and staunchness, Hollicom does its job.

Litigation takes time. There are lots of "i"s to be dotted and "t"s to be crossed and one silly mistake can derail the whole process. Complainants and witnesses, not necessarily the same people, will be being examined by Maguire and his team to try to ensure that the stories add up. Simple errors could cost the whole case

Additionally there will be a few con-men trying it on too. Just look at Grenfell.

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

Third comment in - 'Nothing about Celtic?'

We can help.

 

[Giffnock Blue]

I've never said it's about us nor do I believe I'm showing impatience.

Time is moving on and he's saying the same things That time may be slow in legal circles but in the real world, you try saying the same thing for 9 or 10 months on a situation at your work..

He has definitely changed his tone towards celtic and that is suspicious to me, maybe just me but it stood out.

I see no need for it at all.

McGuire's stance has changed. There are signs that he's softening in his approach when he should be going for the jugular instead.

Celtic clearly see him as no more than a legal lightweight - an ambulance chaser. They haven't yielded an inch from their opening position.

If this was a staring contest, Patrick's just blinked.

 

[johnkp]

Sounds like we may have a new source ?

Great minds think alike, GY.

I sent an e-mail off as soon as I read his article!

 

[Al Needham Loyal]

McGuire's stance has changed. There are signs that he's softening in his approach when he should be going for the jugular instead.

Celtic clearly see him as no more than a legal lightweight - an ambulance chaser. They haven't yielded an inch from their opening position.

If this was a staring contest, Patrick's just blinked.

There really aren't any signs that he's softening his approach at all.

In fact, going back to his first statement on the matter in November 2018 shows that his language hadn't really changed at all.

“We are asking Celtic, in their own right, for their own past wrongs, to do the right thing.”

Compared with the latest:

"They want survivors to be fairly compensated and expect their club to do the right thing. On behalf of all Celtic survivors I would call upon the fans to take control of the situation and use their undoubted power to demand the club faces up to their responsibilities"

This time he has called upon the support, which will include shareholders, to force their club to do the right thing because Celtic refuse to respond.

That's not blinking.

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

Great minds think alike, GY.

I sent an e-mail off as soon as I read his article!

Top man John

I chased up the others who are just sending other stuff out

 

[BN94]

Just for clarification....yes,i hate celtic,fucking loathe them with a passion and want them fucking destroyed beyond repair.

Love it Tommy. Straight from the heart as always. I’m with you on that.

 

[Bluethruandthru]

That’s not going to happen as mob rule would intimidate any fan who put his head above the parapet and cause the mothership of any wrongdoing

Exactly, it would be tantamount to sacrilege

 

[Tim Hunter]

McGuire's stance has changed. There are signs that he's softening in his approach when he should be going for the jugular instead.

Celtic clearly see him as no more than a legal lightweight - an ambulance chaser. They haven't yielded an inch from their opening position.

If this was a staring contest, Patrick's just blinked.

Celtc's stance since this first raised its head has been consistant.(with the exceptions of the Bunnet and Birt). Cover it up and deny everything. It has become almost impossible for them to alter it now. This obstinate refusal to even acknowledge an iota of fault will be the death of them.
Even for kafflicks there is no forgiveness without contrition.
Their history will condemn them for eternity as the "paedophile football club".
Whereas the English clubs with similar issues have addressed them fully, openly and publicly, will have a stain on their character, but it will define Celtc forever.

 

[Div1872]

Marc Horne at the The Times is the only decent journalist with any kind of good and sound moral compass who has focused on the recent convictions of Torbett Cairney King and McCafferty who can hold his head up high

Also Times Editor Scotland Magnus Llewellin deserves credit too for not letting Nonce FC off the hook

The rest of the so called investigative journalists are shitebags and imposters

What we need is an article in The Times to highlight the paedo ring clearly in operation at Parkpaed since 1966 when Torbett set up CBC

Torbetts first victim at CBC was reported as 1967 so it started within a year of it being set up

Why wont they call out the biggest paedo ring in professional football ?

 

[El Jock Grande Sabia]

If it does go to court, I hope there is someone similar to James Doleman (but not him) covering it, as I doubt it will be reported fairly in the msm.

I have a feeling that they will push for any proceedings to be heard in private. Whether they will be successful is another matter, but they wont want their filthy washing aired in public.

 

[ChinaskiBear]

McGuire's stance has changed. There are signs that he's softening in his approach when he should be going for the jugular instead.

Celtic clearly see him as no more than a legal lightweight - an ambulance chaser. They haven't yielded an inch from their opening position.

If this was a staring contest, Patrick's just blinked.

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

 

[BN94]

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

It’s coming

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

Marc Horne at the The Times is the only decent journalist with any kind of good and sound moral compass who has focused on the recent convictions of Torbett Cairney King and McCafferty who can hold his head up high

Also Times Editor Scotland Magnus Llewellin deserves credit too for not letting Nonce FC off the hook

The rest of the so called investigative journalists are shitebags and imposters

What we need is an article in The Times to highlight the paedo ring clearly in operation at Parkpaed since 1966 when Torbett set up CBC

Torbetts first victim at CBC was reported as 1967 so it started within a year of it being set up

Why wont they call out the biggest paedo ring in professional football ?

Hard data has & will be passed on where possible mate.

Anything you have to prove this stuff please pass to us & we will ensure that it gets to the right person or people.

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

I have a feeling that they will push for any proceedings to be heard in private. Whether they will be successful is another matter, but they wont want their filthy washing aired in public.

It will be in the documentary I believe, so the whole of UK will see it.
Might make any lawyers job easier.

 

[BigJC]

It would be interesting finding out the compensation offered by Man City and Chelsea to their victims. It will set a precedent, and may be more than the courts would award. Damages for compensation in courts have a set formula and for kids / people not working it is not very much. One of the biggest components is los of earnings and there would be none for the kids. Although they all had potential it is not proven and factual so Courts would not take it into account. I think if each victim gets £50k they would be doing well, in the Courts. so even a 100 victims would only cost Celtic £5m. Legal fees may be same again. Reputation all damage to Celtic cannot be measured but I hope this stains them globally, but I fear that Celtic are playing a waiting game in the hope this escalates and is then buried in a wave of similar claims and is treated as a football problem. That's the way it looks to me.
The US is the game changer financially as the US courts could award a lot more to the victims and also allow a punitive damages award ( a penalty if you like against Celtic ) for covering it up.

Of course if City and Chelsea are paying out £100k each then it becomes difficult for Celtic to offer less.

It's sad that the victims will get so little in courts but unfortunately true.

 

[Al Needham Loyal]

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

They're a national company, with associated offices in Scotland and NI.

Does nobody use try and verify anything before posting?

 

[Tommy]

You absolutely sure now Tommy? Final call

Ooh...let me think.....

 

[AYEBrox]

The more time taken over the next few months is allowing more information to get into the public domain just like the Chelsea story & the stories the Times are printing, there will be so many more eyes on them by the time this gets to court. The investigations in the 90s were mostly reported in the papers & to be honest I was more of a check the headlines on the front page then back page for the fitba’ kinda reader, not too bothered about the other news, any negative stories about them & you’d talk to your mates & your workmates that was pretty much as far as it got, for me at least. This is round 2 with the help of the internet & social media, we don’t wrap chips in yesterday’s news anymore. There’s people from around the globe looking into this story and the interest is building daily, another day without any sign of acceptance from the East End will be another day of pain for survivors some of who may be struggling for a multitude of reasons with the thought of taking the first step to opening up about their vile experiences but the longer the denials go on the more people there will be getting on board & tilting the scales of justice in the victims favour.
It’s getting like the 75th minute punters are getting ready to head for the exit, the rest of us will be here until the final whistle even it it means extra time!

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

The more time taken over the next few months is allowing more information to get into the public domain just like the Chelsea story & the stories the Times are printing, there will be so many more eyes on them by the time this gets to court. The investigations in the 90s were mostly reported in the papers & to be honest I was more of a check the headlines on the front page then back page for the fitba’ kinda reader, not too bothered about the other news, any negative stories about them & you’d talk to your mates & your workmates that was pretty much as far as it got, for me at least. This is round 2 with the help of the internet & social media, we don’t wrap chips in yesterday’s news anymore. There’s people from around the globe looking into this story and the interest is building daily, another day without any sign of acceptance from the East End will be another day of pain for survivors some of who may be struggling for a multitude of reasons with the thought of taking the first step to opening up about their vile experiences but the longer the denials go on the more people there will be getting on board & tilting the scales of justice in the victims favour.
It’s getting like the 75th minute punters are getting ready to head for the exit, the rest of us will be here until the final whistle even it it means extra time!

Good post. And I agree. Time is now not helping them with article after article & new revelations by the week.

 

[Tommy]

Good movie on sky atlantic tonight...paterno

 

[Haining84]

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

How do you come to that conclusion when you don't know what evidence they have against Celtic's horrific stance?A full independent public inquiry will lay bare the true horrors of that club.

 

[Southernlion]

Another one who joined in July full of doom & despondency. Feck off Hollicom

 

[BN94]

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

I’ve noticed a few of your posts on here lack let’s say any positivity.

 

[Timskelper]

Reading the posts from early this morning I am struck by how recent additions to this forum seem intent on sowing dissension and disheartenedness in our ranks. Subtly, but surely, with crocodile tears and staunchness, Hollicom does its job.

Litigation takes time. There are lots of "i"s to be dotted and "t"s to be crossed and one silly mistake can derail the whole process. Complainants and witnesses, not necessarily the same people, will be being examined by Maguire and his team to try to ensure that the stories add up. Simple errors could cost the whole case

Additionally there will be a few con-men trying it on too. Just look at Grenfell.

Good, sensible post. I guess we'll all just need to let things run their course and do whatever we can if possible.

Just to add...I think most people are too entrenched with McGuire too. What we have to remember is that he's only ONE firm of solicitors. Who knows how many more firms are involved in this.

 

[BigSteve]

We can help.

I left a comment but it wont appear.

How long does "moderation" take?

It’s coming

Interesting development?!

 

[Tommy]

I just dont see this company being able to take them on if I'm honest. Would much rather see a legal team from down south run with this.

I'm pretty sure mc guire will have more than enough legal brains behind him if required...if i were you,i'd be more worried about the legal eagles of the bald kind from across the water,cos they will seek and destroy celtic...remember penn state?...paterno is on tonight,go and prepare yourself.

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

I left a comment but it wont appear.

How long does "moderation" take?


Interesting development?!

We’re just making sure the guy Samuel is educated Steve. That’s all.

 

[ChinaskiBear]

I'm pretty sure mc guire will have more than enough legal brains behind him if required...if i were you,i'd be more worried about the legal eagles of the bald kind from across the water,cos they will seek and destroy celtic...remember penn state?...paterno is on tonight,go and prepare yourself.

Why would I be worried? I've done more than my fair share of firefighting on twitter with another good bear to the extent I had to step back. There is only so much tagging of ministers etc you can do without a reply as well as argueing with them for hours on end before enough is enough.

However I am not convinced (like umpteen others on here) that anything of serious consequence will happen to them while the SNP are in power. I'm fully aware of what hapepned with Penn Sate. What makes you think they will 'seek and destroy' Celtic? I'm sorry but thats just seems like hyperbole at this time. We dont know what will happen. I would lve to see an American legal team dismantle them but there is only so much they can do. Yes a crime was committed in US soil but not against a US citizen. Who are the American lawyers that are running with this is there even a name? It would be good to start to see some actual traction on this but from where I am sitting there doesnt seem to be much happening.

Its also worth noting its a very serious subject matter and we should be debating it like adults. PM me if you want my twitter handle and you can go look for yourself.

 

[BN94]

Why would I be worried? I've done more than my fair share of firefighting on twitter with another good bear to the extent I had to step back. There is only so much tagging of ministers etc you can do without a reply as well as argueing with them for hours on end before enough is enough.

However I am not convinced (like umpteen others on here) that anything of serious consequence will happen to them while the SNP are in power. I'm fully aware of what hapepned with Penn Sate. What makes you think they will 'seek and destroy' Celtic? I'm sorry but thats just seems like hyperbole at this time. We dont know what will happen. I would lve to see an American legal team dismantle them but there is only so much they can do. Yes a crime was committed in US soil but not against a US citizen. Who are the American lawyers that are running with this is there even a name? It would be good to start to see some actual traction on this but from where I am sitting there doesnt seem to be much happening.

Its also worth noting its a very serious subject matter and we should be debating it like adults. PM me if you want my twitter handle and you can go look for yourself.

Do you honestly think we are going to give you any contacts on a forum? And you mention you’ve had no replies from members of Parliament. Are you willing to say who?

 

[ChinaskiBear]

Do you honestly think we are going to give you any contacts on a forum? And you mention you’ve had no replies from members of Parliament. Are you willing to say who?

Who do you think? Just about every member @ScotGov.

I also spent a long time trying to even get a response from Ruth Davidson which was blanked but I see she has eventually replied by reading the thread. I am asking for the name of the lawyers in America who are running with this? If it's not in the public domain then fair enough. Who asked for a 'contact'?

 

[BN94]

Who do you think? Just about every member @ScotGov.

I also spent a long time trying to even get a response from Ruth Davidson which was blanked but I see she has eventually replied by reading the thread. I am asking for the name of the lawyers in America who are running with this? If it's not in the public domain then fair enough. Who asked for a 'contact'?

Well let me tell you something. Each one you’ve mentioned above, I have had a reply. Now when you contact these officials maybe you are coming across like an angry Rangers supporter. Which I will guarantee you that you will not get a reply.

I’ve also had replies from various officials in different countries. So maybe it’s the way your coming across in your dialogue to them?

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1158862830579408899

Wonder how he will react to the Tommy Burns goal in Madrid story ?

Unbelievable deceit.

 

[ChinaskiBear]

Well let me tell you something. Each one you’ve mentioned above, I have had a reply. Now when you contact these officials maybe you are coming across like an angry Rangers supporter. Which I will guarantee you that you will not get a reply.

I’ve also had replies from various officials in different countries. So maybe it’s the way your coming across in your dialogue to them?

So you have had a reply from Humza?? Is it on this thread?

I tried to open the debate up on Thomsons twitter page as it was basically just tims laughing it off. Myself and another bear where hoping it would take off but has died a death. It's a sticky that is therefor all to see. I normally try to keep debate civilisied mate but take your point about the angry part. Genuinely stunned you got a reply from him can you send me the link?

 

[BN94]

So you have had a reply from Humza?? Is it on this thread?

I tried to open the debate up on Thomsons twitter page as it was basically just tims laughing it off. Myself and another bear where hoping it would take off but has died a death. It's a sticky that is therefor all to see. I normally try to keep debate civilisied mate but take your point about the angry part. Genuinely stunned you got a reply from him can you send me the link?

Sorry can’t send you any link. I don’t do twitter either

 

[ChinaskiBear]

Sorry can’t send you any link. I don’t do twitter either

Its ok I PM'd you. You dont need twitter to see.

Did you get a reply of Humza? Dont take this the wrong way but I am flabbergasted at that!

 

[Renfrew@UKGB&NI]

Stop trying to rush this,victims always first.
About 20 years ago my old man broke his ankle running for a bus and put in a claim against renfrewshire council as there was a hole in the pavement which hadn't been repaired.
Now that took about 3 years to be settled and that is absolutely nothing in scale compared to whats being dealt with here,so getting at a lawyer on how he's dealing with this is ridiculous.

 

[Dorrans]

So you have had a reply from Humza?? Is it on this thread?

I tried to open the debate up on Thomsons twitter page as it was basically just tims laughing it off. Myself and another bear where hoping it would take off but has died a death. It's a sticky that is therefor all to see. I normally try to keep debate civilisied mate but take your point about the angry part. Genuinely stunned you got a reply from him can you send me the link?

Mate you are now coming across as obtuse and argumentative. It's a shame your efforts don't seem to have borne fruit, but that doesn't mean others have met with the same response. Maybe it would be best to leave matters to them rather than demanding details of responses and potentially sensitive contact details?

 

[Grigo Yossarian]

Mate you are now coming across as obtuse and argumentative. It's a shame your efforts don't seem to have borne fruit, but that doesn't mean others have met with the same response. Maybe it would be best to leave matters to them rather than demanding details of responses and potentially sensitive contact details?

Agree mate. We have important things to do that could help the situation & that’s what matters.

 

[ChinaskiBear]

Mate you are now coming across as obtuse and argumentative. It's a shame your efforts don't seem to have borne fruit, but that doesn't mean others have met with the same response. Maybe it would be best to leave matters to them rather than demanding details of responses and potentially sensitive contact details?

I agree to an extent. I just found it starnge that their sticky was basically mentally challengeds laughing at them. Nobody called them out directly or asked Thomsons for details of responses for clarification btw. I'm fully aware of how sensitive all of this is. If you are meaning on here I get what you are saying. Unless I am missing something very fundamental I have yet to see anything other than generic emails. That isnt a dig at anyone on here, far from it. I just have very grave concerns this will not play out the way some expect. Not while they have the SNP protecting them. Thats just my opinion.