Celtic’s ‘links’ to Boys Club featuring in new film with families who ‘want apology and closure’
- Alice Walker
- 16 Jul 2020, 10:39
- Updated: 16 Jul 2020, 10:45
CELTIC'S alleged links to its feeder club are to be questioned in a new film about historic child abuse.
The feature-length documentary, Celtic Boys Club Scandal, will put the Boys Club under the spotlight to give families "an apology and closure".
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Legal action has been lodged against Celtic FC over historic abuse claims
Celtic has always claimed the two clubs are separate entities, but they are now facing legal action from 25 alleged feeder club victims over decades of abuse.
Thompson's Solicitors represent an alleged victim who claims he was abused at Celtic Boys Club.
Paperwork for a personal injuries case was lodged at the Court of Session in Edinburgh - with Celtic PLC listed as the defender.
Celtic’s ‘intimate connections’ with Boys Club ‘laid out’ in magazine diagram, says compo lawyer
The new film, slated for release in September, is to be made by BBC journalist Adrian Goldberg.
It is set to feature family members of alleged victims who want the Hoops to "acknowledge there was a greater link" between the clubs.
Adrian told the
Glasgow Times: "The abuse connected with Celtic Boys Club went on for so long and although some steps have been taken for the survivors and their families there’s still a sense that justice hasn’t been served.
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Celtic claim the boys club was a 'separate entitiy'
“The families want Celtic to acknowledge there was a greater link between Celtic BC and Celtic FC than they have done to date. They want them to say sorry.
“Until Celtic do that, people will feel they haven’t got any sense of closure.”
Adrian has raised more than £15,000 on GoFundMe for the film, to be directed by Laurence Lennard.
The film, due to be released online for free, will feature Michelle Gray – sister of Andrew, who was abused by coach Jim Torbett.
Adrian added: “Decades after this has happened, there is still a lot of hurt. Not only for those who were abused but by their family members as well.
“I want to do justice to the victims, the survivors. I want to give meaning to their stories and to bear witness to their stories.
“They feel Celtic FC and politicians haven’t always given them the respect they
deserve.”
Four men who held senior roles with
Celtic Boys Club have been convicted of sexual abuse, including Torbett and James McCafferty.
In February, Celtic FC has said it is very sorry that the abuse took place, but insisted the boys club was an “entirely separate” organisation.
The club has been approached for further comment.