Glasgow politician to meet with Scottish football bosses over Celtic Boys' Club abuse

Obviously, footballing sanctions come a distant second to obtaining justice for all of the victims of the abuse and their families. But here's a little bit of background on how the infamous Penn State case was resolved. Notice that, the first thing they did was to ensure that only the best-qualified, independent people were involved in the investigation. ...

Jerry Sandusky - Assistant Coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team - sexually abused ten young boys over a period of at least 15 years, from 1994 to 2009. Officials at Penn State purportedly failed to notify law enforcement after learning about some of these incidents. An internal investigation into Penn State's actions - led by Former FBI Director Louis Freeh - was launched.

Freeh announced that the team assisting him in his investigation would include former FBI agents and federal prosecutors. As the Sandusky trial proceeded toward conviction in June 2012, it was announced that Freeh's report would be released to the trustees and the public simultaneously, without being reviewed by the school's general counsel's office.

Three Penn State school officials - School President Graham Spanier, Vice-President Gary Schultz and Athletic Director Tim Curley were charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, failure to report suspected child abuse, and related charges. Shortly after the scandal broke, Spanier resigned. The Penn State Board of Trustees terminated the contracts of Curley and of the longtime head football coach, Joe Paterno.

Shortly after the release of the Freeh Report, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board gave its' President - Mark Emmert - the power to take corrective and punitive action relative to Penn State, forgoing the NCAA's normal investigative protocol. On July 22, 2012, the NCAA announced that it would impose "corrective and punitive" sanctions against both the Penn State football program and the institution as a whole the next morning.

On July 23, 2012, Emmert announced the following sanctions against Penn State:
* Five years probation.

* A four-year postseason ban.

* Vacating of all wins from 1998 to 2011. A total of 112 wins. This had the effect of stripping the Nittany Lions of their shared Big Ten titles in 2005 and 2008. It also removed 111 wins from Paterno's record, dropping him from first to 12th on the NCAA's all-time wins list.

* A $60 million fine, the proceeds of which were to go toward an endowment for preventing child abuse. According to the NCAA, this was the equivalent of a typical year's gross revenue from the football program.

* Loss of a total of 40 initial scholarships from 2013 to 2017. During the same period, Penn State is limited to 65 total scholarships - only two more than a Division I FCS (formerly I-AA) school is allowed.

* Penn State was required to adopt all recommendations for reform delineated in the Freeh report.

* Penn State must enter into an "athletics integrity agreement" with the NCAA and Big Ten, appoint a university-wide athletic compliance officer and compliance council, and accept an NCAA-appointed athletic integrity monitor for the duration of its probation.

Many of those sanctions were rescinded later. (Wikipedia, I know...) This post is a good summary of the overall sanctions at the beginning but, in the end, politics and money won out. Yes, even over the welfare of children. (What's new, really? History is full of this)

Also, the NCAA is hardly a bastion of morality or fairness. Although, to be fair, I've hardly ever seen more biased and obviously tainted decisions and coverage coming from any organization like it comes from the sports ruling bodies and media in Scotland with regards to Rangers these past few years.

None of this is in any way to take away from this particular post or the more important overall topic at hand, just wanted to provide some additional info you may not know if you're not on this side of the pond.
 
well if that is indeed the case then our club may as well fold up and go away,if we allow that lot to walk away from this,they will simply see it as our weakness showing again and they will regroup and they will come for us ,and this time they will bury us, our board had better be prepared to go for the mentally challenged throat when the time arises

100 per cent this. The Scum come out unscathed after this and we sat back and did nothing ?
It will be our swansong.
 
I have given this some thought and the only way I can see us getting involved is if Celtic try to drag us in by making allegations that it happened at Ibrox too. In that situation we would demand a fully independent enquiry into child abuse in Scottish football while reserving our rights to take civil action against Celtic for libel.

Well in that scenario, if we choose not to get involved, we will be our own worst enemies, not that I disagree with what you’ve said, but unfortunately, the catholic mafia who want us gone anyway, will see that as the ultimate sign of weakness on our part, and this time they will effectively regroup and finish us off for good.
 
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Well in that scenario, if we choose not to get involved, we will be our own worst enemies, not that I disagree with what you’ve said, but unfortunately, the catholic mafia who want us gone anyway, will see that as the ultimate sign of weakness on our part, and this time they will effectively regroup and finish us off for good.

There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the media brave enough to print something.
 
There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the media brave enough to print something.
Rangers need to stay out of this. If and when an independent inquiry is complete we need to wait and see what the SFA come up with. Thereafter we get involved.
 
There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the media brave enough to print something.

I agree we should stay out of this for now. Leave it to the legal teams, of course.
However, at some point the football associations are going to have to issue the most severe sanctions possible in light of what has gone on and what has been covered up. I don’t see them having the will to do anything about it to be honest.
That is when our Club will have to have our say. And demand justice in the interests of the integrity of the game in this country in the strongest possible terms.
 
I agree we should stay out of this for now. Leave it to the legal teams, of course.
However, at some point the football associations are going to have to issue the most severe sanctions possible in light of what has gone on and what has been covered up. I don’t see them having the will to do anything about it to be honest.
That is when our Club will have to have our say. And demand justice in the interests of the integrity of the game in this country in the strongest possible terms.

Agree. Sporting integrity is paramount. And they know that ;)
 
What kind of questions would you put to the SFA?

Bumping this thread to remind us that this solitary brave politician should be getting more backing than he is.

Let's help him by discussing possible SENSIBLE questions that he might ask of the SFA - as to their awareness of what has been going on for nearly half a century.
 
Be interesting to take a look at the FA’s position re Manchester City and Southampton etc. City have offered a compensation scheme I believe and clearly many in England are serving time for their acts but what have the fa done?

Celtic failed in their duty of care by covering up the abuse of years and in doing so have most likely not complied with the association rules.

What part do the governing bodies play in ensuring members comply and what do they do when a club so flagrantly breaks these rules?

Celtic have inflicted suffering on countless young boys, in not complying with whatever rules there are about clubs duties in this regard they’ve brought shame and disrepute to the game. What are the sfa going to do about it?
 
What kind of questions would you put to the SFA?

Bumping this thread to remind us that this solitary brave politician should be getting more backing than he is.

Let's help him by discussing possible SENSIBLE questions that he might ask of the SFA - as to their awareness of what has been going on for nearly half a century.

All we need to say to the relevant authorities is what’s going on with this ? There’s a chance there’s been a nonce at a good few Scottish clubs but it’s Celtics knowledge and cover up of sexual abuse of young boys at Celtic boys club that is the crux of this.
 
sweeping-under-the-carpet_o_6949607.jpg
Has she not been sacked?:)
 
What kind of questions would you put to the SFA?

Bumping this thread to remind us that this solitary brave politician should be getting more backing than he is.

Let's help him by discussing possible SENSIBLE questions that he might ask of the SFA - as to their awareness of what has been going on for nearly half a century.

Adam Tomkins should be asking the S.F.A. questions along the following lines

Did the S.F.A./S.F.L./S.P.F.L. know of the abuse at Celtic f.c. and the extent of it?

Celtic have always claimed the boys club was a separate entity yet their directors carried out an investigation in 1986, clearing the abusers and threatening libel, what else have they lied about?

How was Peter Lawell able to hold position within S.F.A. when he was employed by Celtic at the time of Torbett's reign, having been brought back to the club, especially if the S.F.A. knew?

Have Celtic disregarded sporting integrity by covering up over 4 decades of abuse, as a member club has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for youngsters?

Did Celtic gain a sporting advantage as they may not have been able to attract/afford certain players due to morals and sponsorship money over the period of the abuse?

Should honours won over this period be under scrutiny regarding the possible sporting advantage gained?

Why did Fergus McCann change the club name when he appeared on the scene,did he know of the abuse and failed to disclose the information?

Was there N.D.A./payments issued following abuse on a tour of U.S.A. during the 90's?

Is there still abuse happening at Celtic and being covered up? as Peter Lawell recently stated that the club has been carrying out a secret investigation for the past 2 years, whilst during this period still claiming to be a separate entity.

Did Strathclyde police/ Police Scotland know of the abuse, did they carry out any investigation over the 4 decade period?

Do Celtic have records of all boys who played with the boys club since inception?Do they have records of all coaches/staff operating with the club/boys club since inception? Do they have records of complaints made since inception?

These are only a few questions that need answered and it is paramount that a public enquiry takes place to bring closure and recompense to those poor souls who suffered abuse at the hands of reprehensible monsters.
 
There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the media brave enough to print something.


when you say," no good reason for us" do you mean us a club or us as fans?

If you mean us as citizens then I don't agree and believe we should have the right to demand they are punished Penn State style for their cover-up and failure in their duty of care to the children/youths who in some cases in later life killed themselves due to the torture of abuse suffered.

If you mean us as a club then again I don't agree but, only partially disagree. I think we should leave it to the police and Lawyers and allow due process to happen but we should have assurances that if any investigations/report from the police or governing bodies deems them guilty at all in any way then in the name of sporting integrity they are punished to the full extent allowed.
 
It's a sad reflection on life in modern day Scotland that we should have to resort to pressure groups etc.The government of the day and the police should be the bedrock of society and we should have faith and trust that they will do the right thing without fear or favour.Sadly this is not the case and I only hope that the international community are looking on.
 
Celtic can not be compared with clubs in England

Celtic discovered they had Pedos but failed to inform the police
Celtic discovered they had pedos yet hired the very same men into a position to be in contact with children
Celtic conducted a investigation and found no pedos in the 1990’s working for them and no further action to be taken. Who done the investigation and where is the report? Was the SFA/SPL informed?
Celtic claim they have been investigating themselves for the last 2 years ! Who is doing it and what is the qualifications? Have the police been informed? Has the stockmarmrket been informed? Has the SPL SFA been informed?
So many questions yet so little answers.
 
There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the media brave enough to print something.

Sorry I disagree after everything that’s went on driven by Celtic over the last few years we should be putting pressure on the SFA / SPFL to act not sitting back hoping they’ll do something about it , Sporting and moral Integrity insists on it

Rangers should be demanding answers from the SFA and what punishments they expect to be given out to Celtic , does anyone honestly think the mentally challengeds would be silent on this if the roles were reversed

Return the serve Rangers they bastards tried to finish us
 
Celtic can not be compared with clubs in England

Celtic discovered they had Pedos but failed to inform the police
Celtic discovered they had pedos yet hired the very same men into a position to be in contact with children
Celtic conducted a investigation and found no pedos in the 1990’s working for them and no further action to be taken. Who done the investigation and where is the report? Was the SFA/SPL informed?
Celtic claim they have been investigating themselves for the last 2 years ! Who is doing it and what is the qualifications? Have the police been informed? Has the stockmarmrket been informed? Has the SPL SFA been informed?
So many questions yet so little answers.
London stock exchange have been informed. Imo there is no point in the SFA being involved in any of this whatsoever. Unless an inquiry is opened against them.
Celtic in no way were investigating themselves for 2 years. Celtic for the past 2 years have been carrying out a process of damage limitation and more coverup and releasing stories to try and deflect the truth. The Scottish government, The SFA and Police Scotland all have to be investigated. Along with every manager and player that was a that poison of a club when all these incidents took place.
This is why in my opinion the instruction of an independent inquiry must come from Westminster. All organisations in Scotland have proved they can’t be trusted and in this day and age that is very worrying.
I am confident the truth will come out and everyone of them will be brought to task. That includes Celtic,SFA,Police Scotland and a government that puts votes before the protection of children.
 
Adam Tomkins should be asking the S.F.A. questions along the following lines

Did the S.F.A./S.F.L./S.P.F.L. know of the abuse at Celtic f.c. and the extent of it?

Celtic have always claimed the boys club was a separate entity yet their directors carried out an investigation in 1986, clearing the abusers and threatening libel, what else have they lied about?

How was Peter Lawell able to hold position within S.F.A. when he was employed by Celtic at the time of Torbett's reign, having been brought back to the club, especially if the S.F.A. knew?

Have Celtic disregarded sporting integrity by covering up over 4 decades of abuse, as a member club has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for youngsters?

Did Celtic gain a sporting advantage as they may not have been able to attract/afford certain players due to morals and sponsorship money over the period of the abuse?

Should honours won over this period be under scrutiny regarding the possible sporting advantage gained?

Why did Fergus McCann change the club name when he appeared on the scene,did he know of the abuse and failed to disclose the information?

Was there N.D.A./payments issued following abuse on a tour of U.S.A. during the 90's?

Is there still abuse happening at Celtic and being covered up? as Peter Lawell recently stated that the club has been carrying out a secret investigation for the past 2 years, whilst during this period still claiming to be a separate entity.

Did Strathclyde police/ Police Scotland know of the abuse, did they carry out any investigation over the 4 decade period?

Do Celtic have records of all boys who played with the boys club since inception?Do they have records of all coaches/staff operating with the club/boys club since inception? Do they have records of complaints made since inception?

These are only a few questions that need answered and it is paramount that a public enquiry takes place to bring closure and recompense to those poor souls who suffered abuse at the hands of reprehensible monsters.

I think that it’s almost 100% certain that the bunnet knew. Was it not him who stopped Burns bringing Torbett back in?
 
Celtic can not be compared with clubs in England

Celtic discovered they had Pedos but failed to inform the police
Celtic discovered they had pedos yet hired the very same men into a position to be in contact with children
Celtic conducted a investigation and found no pedos in the 1990’s working for them and no further action to be taken. Who done the investigation and where is the report? Was the SFA/SPL informed?
Celtic claim they have been investigating themselves for the last 2 years ! Who is doing it and what is the qualifications? Have the police been informed? Has the stockmarmrket been informed? Has the SPL SFA been informed?
So many questions yet so little answers.

the SFA have already proved with the EBT's that what happens south of the border has no relation to north of the border.
 
There is no good reason for us to get involved right now. To do so would give Celtic an opportunity to deflect attention from themselves and onto us. Best left to the lawyers, Prof. Tomkins and those in the mefdia brave enough to print something.

Sorry I disagree after everything that’s went on driven by Celtic over the last few years we should be putting pressure on the SFA / SPFL to act not sitting back hoping they’ll do something about it , Sporting and moral Integrity insists on it

Rangers should be demanding answers from the SFA and what punishments they expect to be given out to Celtic , does anyone honestly think the mentally challengeds would be silent on this if the roles were reversed

Return the serve Rangers they bastards tried to finish us
Rangers are currently under investigation by the CO (on charges initiated by her predecessor ) for breaching rules regarding,
(a) bringing the game into disrepute
(b) failing to behave with utmost good faith.
These charges are in relation to Craig Whyte failing to tell the truth. Although Rangers have already been punished by the SFA for CW's duplicity.
When Celtc are to face similar charges, it would relate to every director and official of the club, failing to tell the truth for over 4 decades, while children continued to be abused at their club.
It is really difficult to see how they could survive.
 
Rangers are currently under investigation by the CO (on charges initiated by her predecessor ) for breaching rules regarding,
(a) bringing the game into disrepute
(b) failing to behave with utmost good faith.
These charges are in relation to Craig Whyte failing to tell the truth.
When Celtc are to face similar charges, it would relate to every director and official of the club, failing to tell the truth for over 4 decades, while children continued to be abused at their club.
It is really difficult to see how they could survive.

You and I both know they will survive this unscathed. Unless we are organised and take action as individuals.

We need to be active - not an echo chamber.
 
You and I both know they will survive this unscathed. Unless we are organised and take action as individuals.

We need to be active - not an echo chamber.
Don't agree that they will survive unscathed. They are going to be faced with a stream of revelations for the forseeable, the dam will burst.
This thread is the first where I have seen any evidence of coordinated effort by fans to highlight their crimes, perhaps we are getting organised at last.
 
What kind of questions would you put to the SFA?

Bumping this thread to remind us that this solitary brave politician should be getting more backing than he is.

Let's help him by discussing possible SENSIBLE questions that he might ask of the SFA - as to their awareness of what has been going on for nearly half a century.

I disagree. I know where you are coming from but the bottom line is these fc_ks would court and embrace the filth core vote as the natsis have.

What questions do you think he is going to ask?

We have a supposed media savvy guy at Ibrox who must have knew what was going on and he never said a word in his time as a hack. So where are we going here?

Does this solitary brave politician have the entire support of his whole party? If not, why not? Where are all the statements from them demanding inquiries into it all?

I'll say again, if this had happened at Ibrox, Holyrood would be stacked to the rafters with 'disgusted and indignant' politicians looking for justice for children over these FIVE decades.

I so hope I am wrong, but this brave and solitary politician is getting and going nowhere.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.
Excellent work sir getting a fair response from Ruth, keeps the pressure on celtic and their not separate Celtic Boys Club.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.
Well done Tommy. Brilliant mate. Hope she keeps to her words by closely monitoring the situation.
I just wonder if we could send a copy of that to celtics sponsors and ask for comment. Also maybe the press would be interested in that reply from the leader of an opposition party in Scotland.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.

McNeill said it was an open secret under oath in court.

It's a matter or record that Ba' face physically booted Torbett out of the scum hut.

I smell a good degree of hedging her bets from Ruth.

Let's not upset yahoos here.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.
Excellent work Tommy:)
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.

Brilliant work Tommy. Let me know the next game you are at, will be sure to get you a pint.

Worth sharing in the main thread if not already.

Really mate, well played getting that response. You must have engaged with her office really constructively.
 
McNeill said it was an open secret under oath in court.

It's a matter or record that Ba' face physically booted Torbett out of the scum hut.

I smell a good degree of hedging her bets from Ruth.

Let's not upset yahoos here.
I disagree. I know Ruth Davidson. I was in her sister’s class right through the school. She is decent. She clearly states that there must now be a full and independent examination of Celtc FC, what was known and when, as well as pushing for compo.

I think she will do her best to be across this.
 
Just received this from Ruth Davidson
Thank you for writing to me with your concerns surrounding historical child abuse within Scottish football.

The reports that have emerged in recent years are extremely distressing, and while it is welcome that Jim Torbett and others have been convicted for their depraved acts, this issue clearly goes wider. Any further allegations of criminality must be swiftly investigated by the police so that further criminal proceedings can be brought where necessary.

The Scottish Football Association’s Chief Executive has apologised to those young people who suffered sexual abuse in football and I think he was right to do so. The Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football commissioned by the SFA found child protection policies at all levels were and still are not fit for purpose. The report has made a number of recommendations to address this and I believe they should be implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that we in Parliament play our part in holding the SFA and other bodies to account on this
Further to this, my colleague Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow, has written to Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA and to Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic FC to seek urgent meetings on this subject. Through a series of criminal trials, we now know something of the scale of the abuse committed by a number of the men associated with Celtic boys’ club. What we do not know is what Celtic FC knew about these offences and when they knew it. These questions must now be independently and fully investigated and, if necessary, a compensation scheme should be established such as that set up earlier this year by Manchester City FC.

It is clear that victims of child abuse in football have been let down, and I very much hope Police Scotland, clubs and the SFA will give them the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

Please be assured the Scottish Conservatives will closely monitor developments on this matter over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Davidson

Rt Hon Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
MSP for Edinburgh Central
Scottish Parliament

.

Brilliant job Tommy ;)
 
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