Celtic Release Statement on Historic Abuse

CELTIC this afternoon, ahead of the broadcast of the Channel 4 News investigation into historic child abuse in Scottish football, released a statement that reads as follows:

In light of recent speculation and to seek to avoid any confusion, the Club wishes to confirm its position regarding the historic abuse that took place at Celtic Football Club and Celtic Boys’ Club. Celtic Football Club is appalled by any form of historic abuse and has great sympathy for those who suffered abuse and for their families. The Club is very sorry that these events took place. The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime. Unfortunately it has affected many areas of society.

With regard to the allegations regarding historic abuse at Celtic Boys’ Club (which, so far as we have been made aware, relate to the period prior to 1997), although Celtic Football Club is a separate organisation, we take these extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations. Police investigations were given support, so as to seek to ensure that those individuals who abused young people were brought to justice.

The Club has been at the leading edge in Scottish football of putting welfare and safeguarding protections in place for our young people and continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for young people.

These are very sensitive matters. There are ongoing legal proceedings which prevent us from discussing any case in any detail. It would not be appropriate for the Club to comment in the media about any individuals or events.

In summary, these are historic issues, which the Club is dealing with in a responsible manner and in conjunction with its advisers. The Club reiterates its sincere sympathy, regret and sorrow for those affected. As we have said repeatedly, the Club will stand by its responsibilities, respecting the due process of law.

That is the end of the statement.

The Channel 4 Report and Why the SPFL’s Unacceptable Conduct Statement Urgently needs Updating

AT some point this week Channel 4 News will broadcast Alex Thomson’s report into historical child abuse in Scottish football. He has twice used images of Celtic Park to promote his investigation, but at least by his second tweet he had accepted that this was a problem across the game in Scotland – including of course at Ibrox – and not just a Celtic issue.

The Rangers support have of course developed an unsavoury fascination with any abuse that involved Celtic Boys Club but ignore any similar allegations made against their old club.

And when any victims have approached the current Ibrox club they have been pointed in the direction of the old club’s liquidator.

The Celtic Star has an interview with a victim of child abuse within football and the gentleman concerned – a victim – has asked us not to publish until Channel 4 broadcast their story. Obviously we are happy to agree to his request.

What we can tell you at the moment is this victim of child abuse within football (not Celtic Boys Club) is actually a Rangers supporter and he has plenty to say about the sick, disgraceful chants that primarily but not exclusively come from his fellow Rangers supporters.

Celtic played Aberdeen up at Pittodrie earlier this month. Before the game the Aberdeen FC stadium announcer read out the following statement:

“The Scottish Professional Football League has instigated an initiative on UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT. This initiative makes it the responsibility of the club regarding the conduct of their supporters at both home and away games.

“The list of offences is extensive but includes disorderly conduct, damage to the fabric of a stadium, using threatening or abusive words towards any group or gender. Colour or race, nationality, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. Transgender identity or disability.

“Also included are chants or songs of a racist, sectarian or of a grossly offensive nature and using words, conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an
organisation proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000’.

“There is no list of banned songs or chants but the Match Commander, SPFL Delegate, referee or the opposition club may report any of the above.

“Sanctions against the club can mean an official warning, a fine, ordering the game to be replayed or as a last resort the loss of points. We would ask fans to be mindful of this initiative as the club will take strong action against any supporter who brings the club into disrepute including a total ban from Pittodrie Stadium.

“Fans are reminded that Pittodrie Stadium has a strict No Smoking Policy. We kindly ask all supporters not to stand in the seated areas in the stadium during play.”

This is from the SPFL’s Unacceptable Conduct Policy Statement and as you will have noticed, it pays particular attention to Celtic’s Irish identity, that specifically, “indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000.”

Someone has added that in. Maybe a club. Maybe someone at the SPFL. It doesn’t really matter. The statement above came directly from Aberdeen FC today, after we asked Celtic FC’s Supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor if he could get a copy of the exact wording for us.

My view at Pittodrie

At Pittodrie, listening to this it seemed strange that the above statement was so detailed, specifically targeting Celtic’s Irish heritage, but completely ignored another issue – the one the Rangers supporting victim of child abuse in football – finds so distasteful, hurtful, maybe even harmful.

If the SPFL need any assistance in amending their Unacceptable Conduct Statement, we are happy to help. We would like their statement to specifically mention chanting about child or sexual abuse, amending their official policy statement to as follows:

“……and/or abusive language, including allegations, statements or chants relating to child or sexual abuse, racial, sectarian…”

Of course the clubs will have to agree to this, we understand that. Celtic FC have already indicated to The Celtic Star today that they are happy to support this sort of change. We will now contact all the clubs in the Premiership to see if they will support this amendment to the SPFL’s Unacceptable Conduct Statement, and we will keep you updated regarding each club’s response.

The Rangers supporter, whose story we will tell later this week, deserves to be able to go to the football and watch his team without these disgusting, depraved chants occurring. And while these sick chants might not be eradicated, the SPFL in their Unacceptable Conduct Statement can at the very least, assure him before the game that such chants are entirely unacceptable in Scottish football.

Neil Doncaster CEO at SPFL can update his organisation’s Unacceptable Conduct Policy

If the SPFL are serious about having an Unacceptable Conduct at football policy then they cannot reasonably fail to mention chants about child or sexual abuse nor can they fail to act when such an omission is pointed out to them by paying customers.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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