A “paedophile ring” involving the most notorious abuser in British sporting history and a Celtic Boys Club coach is being investigated on both sides of the border.
The English and Scottish Football Associations are examining a “partnership” between
Barry Bennell, who worked with young players at Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra, and Jim McCafferty, a former Celtic kitman and boys coach.
Last week McCafferty, 73, was
jailed for abusing boys over a 24-year period, Bennell, 65, is serving a 30-year sentence for molesting youngsters on an “industrial scale”.
A source close to the Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football said: “The partnership between McCafferty and Bennell is included in the investigation. There will be full disclosure.”
The final report from the review was delayed last year to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings.
However,
The Times understands that it will contain evidence that McCafferty took youngsters from Glasgow to tournaments in the northwest of England where they were introduced to Bennell. The information has been shared with the English FA.
Manchester City, which is carrying out an abuse investigation of its own, has established that Bennell took youngsters to tournaments in Ayrshire.
Thompsons Solicitors is convinced that McCafferty was part of an abuse network which involved Bennell and Jim Torbett, 71, the founder of Celtic Boys Club, who was jailed last November for abusing boys.
Patrick McGuire, a partner with the firm, said: “There is clear evidence of trips being organised in both directions; Bennell bringing boys up to Scotland and McCafferty taking boys clubs on trips to the Greater Manchester area.
“I’m glad the SFA have finally taken account of the evidence that we have been putting forward.”
Mr McGuire added: “McCafferty and Bennell were the two most prolific and horrific paedophiles that we know of in football circles. Undoubtedly they were working together . . . it makes you shudder.”
Celtic FC and Crewe Alexandra did not respond to a request for comment.
The Glasgow club has expressed sympathy for the victims but has insisted that the boys club is a separate organisation and not its responsibility.