01-04-2025
Celtic child abuse: SPL club must pay millions to survivors
A seven-figure payout has been agreed for a lawsuit over claims of historical sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, a law firm has said.
Thompsons Solicitors, which is acting for around 30 former Celtic Boys Club players, said around 70 per cent of the cases had been settled by Celtic Plc and that the firm expected further settlements in the coming weeks.
The case relates to abuse at the youth club – which was not formally affiliated with Celtic FC – by convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney.
Laura Connor, partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: 'Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard.
'This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.
'At long last they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club.'
A judge previously gave the go-ahead for the group legal action at Scotland's highest civil court, the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Lawyers acting for Celtic Plc had argued in court that the action should not be allowed to proceed, saying the boys club was an entirely separate entity, but judge Lord Arthurson ruled the case could go ahead.
Celtic FC, who have previously said they are 'appalled by any form of historic abuse', have yet to comment on the latest developments.
Group proceedings are similar to US class actions and were brought into law in Scotland in 2020.
Celtic were one of several UK clubs at the centre of football's sexual abuse scandal which erupted in 2016.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton and Crewe Alexandra were among the other teams implicated, with a number of those who complained of abuse there also reaching out of court settlements.
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