The Celtic Trust has this morning responded to the statement released by Celtic FC yesterday on the club’s official website regarding “the historic abuse that took place at Celtic Football Club and Celtic Boys’ Club”.
On their social media account the Celtic Trust welcomes the club’s statement and condemned “those who seek to weapons the misfortune of others.”
Here is the full and updated text from the Celtic Trust’s response.
“The Trust welcomes Celtic FC’s statement in respect of historic child abuse at Celtic Boys Club, the contrition offered to victims and their families and its commitment to due process. We condemn those who seek to weaponise the harm caused to others.”
The Trust welcomes Celtic FC's statement in respect of historic child abuse at Celtic Boys Club, the contrition offered to victims and their families and its commitment to due process. We condemn those who seek to weaponise the harm caused to others.
— Celtic Trust (@TheCelticTrust) February 27, 2020
Last night Channel 4 News broadcast their initial report into child abuse within Scottish football and this ended with the broadcaster flagging up the second part of their investigation that will be shown this evening at 7pm and will apparently exclusively focus on Celtic FC.
Here is the latest from Thomson posted this morning.
Part 2 tonight…@Channel4News we examine Celtic’s claim that Celtic Boys’ Club was an “entirely separate organisation” from the FC. New eyewitness, photographic, documentary and legal evidence casts serious doubt on the Club’s claim. pic.twitter.com/r8BC4E6zbo
— alex thomson (@alextomo) February 27, 2020
More on this to follow, including an insight into Alex Thomson’s attitude towards Celtic FC.
Exclusive – "Idiots" – Victim featured on Channel 4 tonight attacks fellow Rangers fans who "try to redirect the issue of sex abuse into something else and hatred for the other side" | The Celtic Star https://t.co/oKhc2CxRlW
— The Celtic Star Editor (@CelticStarMag) February 26, 2020
The Statement from Celtic, released yesterday, 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.
Questions for Alex Thomson as his Channel 4 Report on Child Abuse is about to be broadcast | The Celtic Star https://t.co/sLbDZLNcZX
— The Celtic Star Editor (@CelticStarMag) February 26, 2020
And we will have more from Malcolm Rodger on The Celtic Star today.
