Celtic Football Club is confronting a new compensation claim linked to allegations of historical sexual abuse involving convicted paedophile Frank Cairney. A man has come forward, asserting he was sexually assaulted by Cairney, a former coach at Celtic Boys Club, around 1989 when he was just 14 years old. This legal action, filed at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, seeks a six-figure sum in damages, marking another chapter in the long-running scandal.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Digby Brown Solicitors has initiated the court action and is currently investigating the historical allegations. Richard Pitts, a partner at the law firm's Edinburgh office, emphasized the importance of allowing survivors time to seek justice. He stated, "Each survivor of abuse should be entitled to take as long as they need to come to terms with what happened and decide what they want to do next - and after nearly 40 years our client is now ready to take his own step towards justice." Pitts confirmed that Digby Brown is probing allegations connected to Celtic Boys Club, though no further details are available at this time.
Background of Frank Cairney's Convictions
Frank Cairney was sentenced to four years in prison in 2019 after being convicted of multiple charges dating back to the 1980s. In 2023, a sheriff ruled that he indecently assaulted three players during the 1970s and 1980s. Due to Cairney being unfit to stand trial, an examination of facts was conducted at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Sheriff Tom Hughes found no grounds for acquittal, with evidence revealing that Cairney preyed on young boys in locations such as the Celtic Park shower room, the dressing room at Barrowfield training ground, during a team trip to Aviemore, and in his car.
Previous Settlements and Celtic's Response
Last year, Celtic Plc, the parent company of Celtic Football Club, agreed to pay a seven-figure sum to nearly 30 former Celtic Boys Club players. This settlement followed a landmark group claim brought by Thompsons Solicitors on behalf of victims abused by Cairney and James Torbett, the founder of the youth club who was also convicted of abusing young players. Initially, Celtic's lawyers argued that the boys' team was a "separate entity" with no formal affiliation to the Glasgow football club, but a judge allowed the case to proceed. Celtic later issued an apology for the historical sexual abuse, stating, "The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations."
Ongoing Impact and Legal Developments
The new claim underscores the persistent legal and reputational challenges facing Celtic FC as more survivors come forward. The case highlights the broader issue of historical abuse in sports, with victims seeking accountability and compensation decades after the incidents occurred. As the legal action progresses, it may prompt further scrutiny of how institutions handle such allegations and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.
