Evidence of cross-border abuse of young footballers handed to English FA

Investigators in Scotland have passed evidence of cross-border sexual trafficking of young footballers to the English FA and the police.

The move comes as a former soldier claimed he was trafficked from Scottish to English football to be abused by convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.

Martin Henry, who is leading the independent review into historic accusations of sexual abuse in Scottish football on behalf of the Scottish Football Association, told Channel 4 news recent evidence had convinced investigators trafficking took place.

He added: "If you'd asked me that question a month ago, I would have said no.

"There was no substantive information that we had at that time, that suggested any kind of organised abuse between Scotland and England under the auspices of football.

"We have had recent accounts that suggests that that was very much the case and these have been passed to the English FA inquiry, rightly so, and they've also been reported to the police.''

Victim Malcolm Rodger, who along with 11 other boys was sexually assaulted by Bill Kelly - coach of West Lothian team Uphall Saints - over 22 years, told the programme he was trafficked and believes there are "scores'' of victims.

He said the abuse started in 1983 and alleges convicted abusers Kelly and Jim McCafferty took him to Blackpool where he claimed he was abused by convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.

Speaking to Channel 4 news, Mr Rodger said: "Bill Kelly stood at the bedroom door, I suppose, and kept watch, and I was introduced to Barry Bennell.

"He was a coach from Man City and he could really make my career go forward. But what Barry Bennell did to me at Blackpool...

"My only memory is that it must have been of such horrific nature that it actually made me physically sick, and I can remember being tearful asking Bill Kelly for some cleaning products to help clean the sick up at the end of the bedspread.

"What's driving me forward and stepping forward and out of the shadows is that I know there's other victims in Scotland.''

The programme also included an interview with Kelly, who denied the allegations.

When it was put to him that Mr Rodger had been trafficked to Blackpool for sex with Bennell, Kelly replied: "No. Not true.''

Asked why his denial should be believed, he said: "I pleaded guilty to everything that I did in black and white. I wouldn't have put a laddie on the stand.''

When asked what he had to say to his victims, Kelly replied: "I'm sorry if I upset you, if that's the case.''

Bennell was handed a 30-year prison sentence in February 2018 after being convicted of hundreds of sexual offences against young players during his time at Manchester City and Crewe.

McCafferty, 74, of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is currently in jail for historic child sexual abuse in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The former Celtic kitman also coached Celtic Boys' Club and last year the club paid compensation to a former young player he had abused at the youth team.

Neither Bennell or McCafferty have been convicted of abusing Mr Rodgers.

On Wednesday, Celtic released a statement on historic abuse at the club and youth outfit, saying it could not discuss any case in detail due to "ongoing legal proceedings''.

"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. The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime,'' it said.

"In summary, these are historic issues, which the club is dealing with in a responsible manner and in conjunction with its advisers. The club reiterates its sincere sympathy, regret and sorrow for those affected. As we have said repeatedly, the club will stand by its responsibilities, respecting the due process of law.''

If you are looking for support with any of the issues in this report you can contact Rape Crisis Scotland on 08088 01 03 02.

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