This is a difficult article to write on, but this needs to be covered. The survivors of historical abuse at Celtic Boys Club are planning to launch a “class action” against Celtic FC. This class action is one of the first cases of its kind in Scotland.
While Celtic FC claim to be a ‘separate entity’ from the Boys Club, this fact is hotly disputed by the survivors. The survivors want to prove to the world that Celtic Boys Club was not separate from Celtic FC.
Thompsons Solicitors are acting on behalf of the survivors in what could very well be a truly landmark case.
Gordon Woods is one such survivor who has been fighting for justice for a long time now. I asked Mr Woods about the action and here is what he had to say, “Today’s announcement of the proposed Class Action Lawsuit against Celtic F.C. on behalf of the victims and survivors of Child Sexual Abuse within Celtic Boys Club brings a huge relief to victims and their families. Whereas many victims have, in the past, felt desperately alone in their fight for the justice they deserve, they are now a part of a determined team who can collectively support and help each other throughout the process, and the emotional turmoil it is almost certain to evoke.
“Those seeking justice have done so with the utmost dignity, respect, and understanding of others and they welcome this new development. We look forward to our day in court after having had to wait for up to 50 years and wish to convey our sincere thanks to all those who have supported, believed, and fought in our corner.”
I don’t have much to add here. All, I can say is I really hope the survivors get the justice they have been looking for so long. It is a national shame that they have had to fight so hard for everything.
You can follow Gordon Woods here. You can follow ‘Spotlight’, a great account that is ‘exposing a decades-long cover-up of child sexual abuse and building a case for an independent inquiry’ here.
Lastly, The 4th Official talked with Bill, an abuse survivor who is campaigning for justice and closure in a podcast interview back in February. You can listen to it here. A difficult conversation, but we can’t let our discomfort get in the way of justice. If that happens, it’s the perpetrators of such abuse that wins.
