Celtic FC Faces Legal Claims of Historical Abuse: Seeking to Settle the Past

Celtic FC ‘seeking to settle’ legal claims of historical abuse at Boys Club

Background

Celtic Football Club, the Scottish Champions, is seeking to settle child sex abuse claims brought against the club by former players of the Celtic Boys Club. This development comes as solicitors representing over 20 former players have confirmed that Celtic FC intends to enter into settlement negotiations. Over the years, nine men who were linked to the boys club, including former officials and coaches, have been convicted of child sex offenses.

Club’s Previous Position

Celtic FC has previously maintained that the boys club was an “entirely separate” organization and argued that the club was therefore not responsible for the abuse that took place. However, lawyers representing the former players assert that there was an “intimate connection” between the boys club and Celtic FC, and argue that the club should be held “vicariously liable” for the assaults carried out in the youth set up.

Legal Proceedings and Class Action

The litigation, managed by Thompsons Solicitors, focuses on historical claims of sexual assault committed by convicted paedophiles Jim Torbett, the founder of the Boys Club, and Frank Cairney, a former coach. It is worth noting that although the club is preparing to settle the cases, it has not admitted liability.

Earlier this year, a US-style “class action” group litigation was allowed to proceed against Celtic FC, resembling a system in which groups of individuals with similar claims can bring a single action in court. A hearing for this group litigation had been scheduled for October at the Court of Session before Lord Arthurson.

Settlement Negotiations

Thompsons Solicitors, representing the former players, issued a statement indicating that Celtic FC had expressed its intention to enter settlement negotiations within the group litigation. However, the club has not formally admitted liability or made any other formal concessions. The parties involved will now ask the court to adjourn the forthcoming proof hearing to allow for the valuation of individual cases.

Club’s Response

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Celtic FC stated that the club has always taken allegations regarding abuse at the boys club extremely seriously. The club and its lawyers have made rigorous efforts to investigate these matters and continue to do so. The spokesperson also emphasized that discussions with the lawyers acting for those who suffered abuse at the Celtic Boys Club are ongoing.

It is important to note that due to ongoing legal proceedings, Celtic FC has stated that it would not be appropriate for the club to comment further on the issue at this time.

Analysis and Discussion

Club’s Responsibility

The issue surrounding the responsibility of Celtic FC for the abuse that occurred within the Celtic Boys Club raises important questions regarding the duty of care that football clubs have towards their affiliated youth organizations. While Celtic FC has argued that the boys club was an independent entity, the lawyers representing the victims contend that the close operational and organizational ties between the two entities suggest otherwise. This case highlights the need for transparent and accountable governance structures within football clubs to ensure the protection and well-being of young players.

Legal Framework