Celtic Boys Club abuse survivors honoured with Hampden memorial

Times

2 days ago

A memorial to survivors of the Celtic Boys Club scandal and all other young players who suffered sexual abuse has been installed at the national stadium.
An independent review, which reported its findings in 2021, recommended that a permanent monument be created so the issue could no longer be forgotten or swept under the carpet.
In response the Scottish FA commissioned artist Kevin Hunter to create a painting which has now been unveiled at Hampden.
The report included harrowing testimony from dozens of men who suffered sexual and physical abuse by coaches and medical staff they trusted to protect them.
Hunter said tears flowed when the painting was officially installed at a ceremony attended by members of the survivors group, Adult Voices, on Monday.
His work, called Time, is meant to illustrate the innocence of young players.
'I drew inspiration from my own memories of playing football as a child, supplemented by research into old photographs of children playing games in front of tenements,' he said.
'I also gathered personal stories by speaking with my father and other members of older generations about their own childhood. There were moments where I doubted I could create something worthy of the brief.
'But when I finally submitted the painting the feedback I received was more than just a relief, it was a validation of the entire difficult journey.'
He added: 'The most moving part, however, was receiving personal messages from group members. It was not something I ever expected and it made me feel honoured.'
Malcolm Rodger waived his right to anonymity and gave evidence that he was abused separately by Barry Bennell, a former Manchester City scout, and Jim McCafferty, a former coach with Celtic Boys Club.
Both men died in prison after being convicted of a series of offences against young players.
He said: 'I was asked by the Scottish FA to think of a method of respectfully commemorating a period in Scottish footballing history that had had such a devastating impact upon so many, myself included.
'This brilliant painting reflects any town in Scotland at any time in history. It gives everyone the opportunity to reflect, understand and look forward with peace and contentment.'
An agreement was reached this year that will result in Celtic FC paying millions of pounds in compensation to former players from its feeder club.
The payments are being made to about 30 men who used to play for Celtic Boys Club and joined a class action lawsuit that was eventually settled out of court.
The independent review called on Celtic and other Scottish clubs to issue unequivocal public apologies to those affected by non-recent child sex abuse.
Other teams implicated in the scandal include Rangers, Hibernian, Motherwell, Partick Thistle and a host of non-league clubs.
Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA's chief executive, insisted 'great strides' had been made in strengthening child protection measures in the years since the report was published.
'Scottish football is forever indebted to the strength and courage of those who spoke out,' he said.
'We have ensured the wishes of the Adult Voices group were considered at every juncture throughout the completion of this memorial.'
Maxwell previously issued a public apology for the 'abhorrent' abuse suffered by young people under its care in the past.
However, Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, which represents dozens of survivors, insisted the Scottish FA had fallen short in honouring those affected.
'They have had many opportunities over recent years to acknowledge the abuse suffered and to ensure that compensation was suitably paid to those who were abused,' Laura Connor, a partner in the legal firm, said.
'They refused to do so, hid behind lawyers and legal frameworks and instead are now unveiling a painting.
'I can only hope those who have suffered are not further adversely affected by this bewildering decision.'