Celtic Football Club release statement on James McCafferty child abuse
The former kit man and youth club coach was sentenced to six years in jail last week after pleading guilty to 11 offences against young boys between 1972 and 1996.
Last updated 24th May 2019
Celtic Football Club has expressed its "regret and sorrow" and "sincere sympathy" to the victims of convicted pedophile James McCafferty - ten days after he was jailed.
The former kit man and youth club coach was sentenced to six years last week after pleading guilty to 11 offences against young boys between 1972 and 1996.
The 73 year-old was employed by the club in the mid 1990s.
In the statement, Celtic say they are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people.
The statement reads: "James McCafferty has pleaded guilty to offences he committed against young people between 1972 and 1996. Celtic Football Club wishes to express its regret and sorrow to those young people.
"McCafferty, who was employed by Celtic Football Club in the mid 1990s, committed these acts many years ago across a number of organisations, and all those who have come forward to report abuse and to give evidence deserve enormous praise for the courage they have shown. We offer our sincere sympathy to those young people, their families and all those involved.
"These are very sensitive issues, particularly for those who suffered abuse. When the allegations were published in the media in 2016, Celtic Football Club encouraged any individuals involved to report all information to the police so that these matters could be investigated fully and the Club continues to encourage any victim of abuse to report these matters to the police.
"Celtic Football Club takes all of its responsibilities seriously, stands by its responsibilities and will continue to do so.
"The abuse of children has affected many areas of society, including football clubs, sports clubs, youth organisations, educational institutions and religious bodies across Britain.
"Celtic Football Club strongly believes that children and young people involved in football have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse and is committed to ensuring this and to promoting their wellbeing through continued cooperation with our children and young people, parents and carers and the relevant authorities.
"Celtic Football Club was the first club in Scotland to appoint a safeguarding officer, responsible for developing our policies for the protection of young people, and monitoring and reviewing our procedures to ensure they continue to reflect best practice."