Bad Robot 21,513 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 A Beacon Has Been Lit Child abuse in football is a hot topic these days and it is to be hoped that a beacon has been lit rather than just a flare into the night sky. There must be root and branch investigations into every aspect of this horrific crime in our game – including the abominable practice of covering it up. Every second that the SFA refuse to launch an inquiry into the abuse of minors under its auspices is a deepening stain on its already tarnished reputation. It is no great surprise that perverts were drawn to football coaching as a means of access to youngsters. The reality is that this has been with us for years and it takes events like Dunblane to sharpen our attention regarding it. I understand that the authorities are adverse to approaching the problem with a witch hunt mentality but this does not mean that there should not be a robust response when it comes to investigating any concerns or complaints regarding adults who coach youngsters. That there have been so many cases where people have gotten away with years of abuse, despite numerous complaints being made, is proof that such robustness was definitely lacking. Thomas Hamilton is a classic case in point It is both sad and very creepy that in Scotland we have a historic propensity in both football and wider society to get a big brush out and sweep the noxious subject of child abuse under the carpet, as is evinced by the infamous cultural meme of “Big Jock Knew” or “BJK” in its shortened form. This refers to the notorious case of Jim Torbett, who abused boys under his care while manager of Celtic Boys Club. The full extent of how much club officials knew and either covered the abuse up or did nothing to alert the authorities is still a matter of fierce debate. However, newspapers at the time, including the Daily Record, recorded that there had been shameful attempts at covering up the entire affair and that the indecencies perpetrated by Torbett were an open secret behind the doors at Celtic Park. Surely a thorough investigation into this is long overdue by the SFA? Well, that might be a bit tricky when you consider certain facts. It is a matter of record that former Celtic chairman Jack McGinn was President of the SFA at the time of Torbett’s sentencing. McGinn was employed, along with another ex-chairman of Celtic – Kevin Kelly – by Torbett in his Trophy Centre business. Kelly was actually involved in three businesses with the shamed ex-coach. So the President of the SFA had a senior position in a business owned by a man convicted of child molestation. This very fact should have prompted a full scale inquiry into McGinn’s suitability to hold high office in the SFA. Especially when he was involved with the club that covered up the child abuse going on under its auspices. Of course, the very mention of such things triggers allegations of Celtic-bashing and endless whataboutery. However, this IS a historic matter of child abuse and there WAS a cover-up according to many at the time. In the light of the floodgates being opened on historic child abuse in our game, it would be very, very sinister if the Torbett/Cairney scandal was not subject to the most rigorous inquiry. The truth is EVERY instance of child abuse in Scottish football should be investigated and criminals brought to justice. Furthermore, any attempt to sweep such abuse under the carpet should result in severe internal punishments, including title-stripping and heavy fines. That is to say nothing of the legal aspects such as attempting to pervert the course of justice and tampering with evidence. It has recently come out that Gordon Neely was bulleted from Ibrox by Graeme Souness and Walter Smith once his own perversions were uncovered. Neely’s activities are presently the subject of much interest. This is another matter that must be thoroughly investigated. Clearly clubs are not liable for the depravity of coaches and others who turn out to be “stoat the baws” rather than decent people with a genuine heart for the kids in their care. However, they become liable if they uncover such depravity and do nothing or attempt to hide it. Every football club in the land must cooperate in a 100% transparent inquiry and investigation into any instances of inappropriateness, molestation or rape that may have taken place under its auspices. Football must be purged of this horrible stain, as must our society. Children and youngsters’ safety must be absolutely paramount in our thinking. No more abuse – and no more cover-ups! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Copland bear 7,966 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 The SFA should have had a full investigation after the court case when he was found guilty. But as usual they did fuck all and it's continued Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearsden bear 2,376 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Can't disagree with any of that Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Robot 21,513 Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 1 hour ago, Copland bear said: The SFA should have had a full investigation after the court case when he was found guilty. But as usual they did fuck all and it's continued Yes but the conflict of interest has been identified so the investigation should now occur as the is implicating the SFA. I would like to hear Smudgers specify. opinion of this now and ask if he believes it should be investigated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingKirk 26,375 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 we will see a investigation launched imo Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmojorisin 13,715 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 2 hours ago, KingKirk said: we will see a investigation launched imo Surely they cannot keep on ignoring the big elephant in the room Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dummiesoot 16,211 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Whats this big elephant people are talking about? anything to do with point scoring? Or just people wanting; Remorse Conciliation The truth Integrity Morality Or a great big fucking brush and a carpet with a huge mound of heinous shite under it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgeIsBlue 66,730 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Bill M? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangersfansmediawatch 1,055 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 Something doesn't sit right with me in regards to what he says. This Quote It has recently come out that Gordon Neely was bulleted from Ibrox by Graeme Souness and Walter Smith once his own perversions were uncovered. Neely’s activities are presently the subject of much interest. This is another matter that must be thoroughly investigated. Reports said it was inappropriate behaviour and also stated that there was no contact,The mere use of the word "abused" seems to now be getting tagged as meaning sexual when quite clearly not all abuse involves sexual contact. What are these perversions he talks about,When he could have simply been abusive verbally towards the boy. Maybe McMurdo could enlighten us all as he seems to know more than anyone else. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dummiesoot 16,211 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 4 hours ago, Rangersfansmediawatch said: Something doesn't sit right with me in regards to what he says. This Reports said it was inappropriate behaviour and also stated that there was no contact,The mere use of the word "abused" seems to now be getting tagged as meaning sexual when quite clearly not all abuse involves sexual contact. What are these perversions he talks about,When he could have simply been abusive verbally towards the boy. Maybe McMurdo could enlighten us all as he seems to know more than anyone else. It appears Neely has links to that cunt at Crewe as well. was on the news two nights ago, perhaps that is what he is talking about? Whatever it is, it certainly is starting to look like a wide paedo ring. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamie 4,918 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 7 hours ago, dummiesoot said: It appears Neely has links to that cunt at Crewe as well. was on the news two nights ago, perhaps that is what he is talking about? Whatever it is, it certainly is starting to look like a wide paedo ring. I do want the Neely issue investigated. Not so much at Ibrox (unless of course there is something thats not been disclosed) But I want to know his history at Hibs, what did they know? did they simply palm their problem onto us. Imo hibs need some serious investigations. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangersfansmediawatch 1,055 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 10 hours ago, dummiesoot said: It appears Neely has links to that cunt at Crewe as well. was on the news two nights ago, perhaps that is what he is talking about? Whatever it is, it certainly is starting to look like a wide paedo ring. Was that not McCartney who sent young players down to Crewe ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thermopylae 15,288 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 10 minutes ago, Rangersfansmediawatch said: Was that not McCartney who sent young players down to Crewe ? Who? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dummiesoot 16,211 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 1 hour ago, Rangersfansmediawatch said: Was that not McCartney who sent young players down to Crewe ? Yes. Sorry do you mean mccafferty? So apparently did Neely, interviewed a former youth player on the Scottish news. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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