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Telegraph
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Survivors of Celtic Boys Club abuse win seven-figure payout
Dozens of men who were sexually abused as youths when they played football for Celtic Boys Club have won a seven-figure compensation payout. Celtic agreed the award after fighting a legal battle that lasted almost a decade, during which time some survivors of historical abuse passed away. Thompsons Solicitors, which led a class action against the Glasgow football club, accused it of dragging out the case and making the battle for justice more complex than necessary. It said 'justice has finally been achieved' as it confirmed about 70 per cent of cases had been settled, with further settlements expected in the coming weeks. The Boys Club was established as a feeder team to the senior Celtic side in 1966 and the two clubs had close ties, sharing players, officials and premises. The litigation relates to historical claims of sexual assault by convicted paedophiles Jim Torbett – the founder of the Boys Club – and Frank Cairney, a former coach. Celtic had always insisted that it was not responsible because the Boys Club was an 'entirely different organisation'. Lawyers acting for the former players, however, argued that the Boys Club and Celtic were 'intimately connected' and the senior club was 'vicariously liable' for the assaults. Around 30 survivors who suffered sexual abuse while playing for Celtic Boys Club in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s lodged legal claims against Celtic after a judge gave the go-ahead for a US-style 'class action' group litigation in 2023. While there have been other types of group proceedings cases in Scotland, the Celtic Plc Group Proceedings action broke new ground. Although common aspects of cases were pursued as a group, individual group members' rights to compensation for their specific injuries and losses were preserved. 'This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout,' said Laura Connor, Partner and head of the Life Impact Team at Thompsons Solicitors. '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.' 'Tragic that some victims did not live to see this day' Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, said: 'There has long been abundant evidence of an organised network of predators using Celtic FC's Boys Club to sexually abuse children, yet victims were treated with pure contempt and forced to fight for justice over many long and painful years. 'It is tragic that some victims did not live to see this day. Victims of industrial-scale abuse in Scottish football were failed by the club and Scotland's justice system, but continue to be failed by the SNP government, which refuses to do the right thing and extend the remit of the child abuse inquiry.' Thompsons Solicitors said that because a small number of cases have yet to be settled, the group litigation and individual cases remain active. The firm believes this case could pave the way for similar group actions in future. Celtic FC issued an apology for historic sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, adding that it 'can confirm that a number of legal claims in the group proceedings against the club have been resolved. We are hopeful that settlement can be reached with the remaining group members shortly. 'For some time, we have sought to work with the group members' lawyers to reach a resolution. The club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure. '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 at Celtic Boys Club. 'The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations. 'The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime which has unfortunately affected many areas of society. The club continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for all young people.'
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Celtic FC sorry as seven-figure payout agreed in Boys Club historical abuse case
Celtic FC has apologised for historic sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club following a seven-figure payout for legal claims. Thompsons Solicitors is acting for around 30 former Celtic Boys Club players in a group proceeding and said around 70% of the cases have been settled by Celtic Plc. 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. Celtic FC said in a statement: '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 at Celtic Boys' Club. 'The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.' Both Celtic and Thompsons' solicitor said they hope for rapid settlement of further cases. 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, arguing the boys club was an entirely separate entity, but judge Lord Arthurson ruled the case could go ahead. Celtic FC's statement added: 'For some time, we have sought to work with the group members' lawyers to reach a resolution. 'The club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward, and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure.' It continued: 'The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime which has unfortunately affected many areas of society. 'The club continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for all young people.' Group proceedings are similar to US class action style actions and were brought into law in Scotland in 2020.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Survivors of Celtic Boys Club abuse win seven-figure payout
Dozens of men who were sexually abused as youths when they played football for Celtic Boys Club have won a seven-figure compensation payout. Celtic agreed the award after fighting a legal battle that lasted almost a decade, during which time some survivors of historical abuse passed away. Thompsons Solicitors, which led a class action against the Glasgow football club, accused it of dragging out the case and making the battle for justice more complex than necessary. It said 'justice has finally been achieved' as it confirmed about 70 per cent of cases had been settled, with further settlements expected in the coming weeks. The Boys Club was established as a feeder team to the senior Celtic side in 1966 and the two clubs had close ties, sharing players, officials and premises. The litigation relates to historical claims of sexual assault by convicted paedophiles Jim Torbett – the founder of the Boys Club – and Frank Cairney, a former coach. Celtic had always insisted that it was not responsible because the Boys Club was an 'entirely different organisation'. Lawyers acting for the former players, however, argued that the Boys Club and Celtic were 'intimately connected' and the senior club was 'vicariously liable' for the assaults. Around 30 survivors who suffered sexual abuse while playing for Celtic Boys Club in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s lodged legal claims against Celtic after a judge gave the go-ahead for a US-style 'class action' group litigation in 2023. While there have been other types of group proceedings cases in Scotland, the Celtic Plc Group Proceedings action broke new ground. Although common aspects of cases were pursued as a group, individual group members' rights to compensation for their specific injuries and losses were preserved. 'This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout,' said Laura Connor, Partner and head of the Life Impact Team at Thompsons Solicitors. '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.' Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, said: 'There has long been abundant evidence of an organised network of predators using Celtic FC's Boys Club to sexually abuse children, yet victims were treated with pure contempt and forced to fight for justice over many long and painful years. 'It is tragic that some victims did not live to see this day. Victims of industrial-scale abuse in Scottish football were failed by the club and Scotland's justice system, but continue to be failed by the SNP government, which refuses to do the right thing and extend the remit of the child abuse inquiry.' Thompsons Solicitors said that because a small number of cases have yet to be settled, the group litigation and individual cases remain active. The firm believes this case could pave the way for similar group actions in future. Celtic FC issued an apology for historic sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, adding that it 'can confirm that a number of legal claims in the group proceedings against the club have been resolved. We are hopeful that settlement can be reached with the remaining group members shortly. 'For some time, we have sought to work with the group members' lawyers to reach a resolution. The club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure. '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 at Celtic Boys Club. 'The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations. 'The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime which has unfortunately affected many areas of society. The club continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for all young people.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic FC sorry as seven-figure payout agreed in Boys Club historical abuse case
Celtic FC has apologised for historic sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club following a seven-figure payout for legal claims. Thompsons Solicitors is acting for around 30 former Celtic Boys Club players in a group proceeding and said around 70% of the cases have been settled by Celtic Plc. 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. Celtic FC said in a statement: '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 at Celtic Boys' Club. 'The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.' Both Celtic and Thompsons' solicitor said they hope for rapid settlement of further cases. 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, arguing the boys club was an entirely separate entity, but judge Lord Arthurson ruled the case could go ahead. Celtic FC's statement added: 'For some time, we have sought to work with the group members' lawyers to reach a resolution. 'The club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward, and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure.' It continued: 'The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime which has unfortunately affected many areas of society. 'The club continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for all young people.' Group proceedings are similar to US class action style actions and were brought into law in Scotland in 2020.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
