Leeds comment at end.....
THE FOOTBALL Association has appointed a senior lawyer to assist with
its review into historical child sex abuse allegations as it emerged
Leeds United had been caught up in the claims.
Kate Gallafent QC will oversee the internal review which has been set up
following a string of allegations by former youth footballers.
Andy Woodward, who played for Sheffield United and Halifax Town, became
the first to speak out last week about abuse he suffered at the hands of
convicted child abuser Barry Bennell, a former Crewe Alexandra coach.
The FA said that a “wide-ranging inquiry may be required in time” but
said it was supporting police with their investigations and “must ensure
we do not do anything to interfere with or jeopardise the criminal process”.
Ms Gallafent will make recommendations “to ensure these situations can
never be repeated”, the FA said.
The Metropolitan Police and the Hampshire, Northumbria and Cheshire
forces said they are investigating abuse allegations. Leeds United was
one of a string of football clubs that have been connected to
allegations of historical child abuse, according to the chief executive
of the Professional Players’ Association, Gordon Taylor.
He said the number of players making allegations of abuse is now more
than 20. LEEDS UNITED is one of a string of football clubs that have
been connected to allegations of historical child abuse, according to
the chief executive of the Professional Players’ Association.
Gordon Taylor said yesterday that the number of players making
allegations of abuse is now more than 20, with up to seven clubs –
including Leeds – connected to the allegations.
Asked to name the clubs that had been connected to allegations so far,
Mr Taylor told Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek: “We’d start at Crewe, go to
Man City, Stoke, Blackpool, Newcastle, Leeds... I’m expecting there will
be more.
“I think we have six or seven clubs. I can’t believe it’s just going to
be in the North West and North East. We need to be mindful this could be
throughout the country in the same way it’s been in other professions
where children are there – in the church, in schools.”
Barry Bennell, the former youth coach and convicted paedophile who has
been named by players including former Sheffield United and Halifax Town
player Andy Woodward and former Leeds and Sheffield United player David
White, worked with Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City, Stoke and several
junior clubs in the north-west.
Yesterday the FA instructed independent leading counsel Kate Gallafent
QC to oversee its internal review, assessing “what information the FA
was aware of at the relevant times, what clubs were aware of, and what
action was or should have been taken”.
Manchester City and Crewe have launched independent investigations. The
Metropolitan force and Hampshire and Cheshire police have said they are
investigating allegations of abuse in the football community.
Northumbria Police said it was investigating an allegation by an unnamed
former Newcastle player that he was abused in the club’s youth system.
Mr Taylor suggested that some of the mental health issues his
organisation have been attempting to counter in recent times could be
tied to abuse, but also spoke of his confidence that the youngsters were
better protected now than in the past.
He said: “We’ve had issues of depression and, of course, issues that
caused suicides... some of what might be coming out might help explain
that as well.
“I wouldn’t preclude the fact it could happen (these days) because you
can’t have enough vigilance when paedophiles are so determined.
“But we have the PFA safety net, an online platform available to parents
and youngsters informing them of danger situations.
“There’s a lot more knowledge available about what needs to be done and
checks on staff at clubs.”
Mr Taylor also responded to claims that an unidentified Premier League
club had paid off a player to prevent them going public with their story
within the past two years.
He said: “If clubs have paid off such youngsters and not done anything
about the situation I think that’s a terrible lack of duty of care
because they have an obligation to bring it out.
“That’s the only way we can grasp the nettle on this and try to set an
example to the rest of society.”
Last night Leeds United said: “Leeds United have not been made aware of
any allegations regarding sexual abuse from the PFA or any other
governing bodies to date. The club would take any complaints seriously
and will cooperate fully with the PFA and the FA with any such
investigations.The safeguarding of our young players is of the upmost
importance to Leeds United.”
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