Man receives five-figure settlement from Celtic over historic boys club abuse claims

A man who sued Celtic Football Club over historic abuse claims has received a five-figure settlement.

He raised a legal action last month after claiming he was attacked by Frank Cairney at Celtic Boys Club in 1989.

Celtic originally denied liability but has now paid an out-of-court sum, according to Digby Brown Solicitors.

In a statement, the man – who cannot be named for legal reasons – said: “Abusive acts may be physical but the impact, for me, is nearly all mental and the worst of it is a paralysing feeling of shame and it’s something I’ve been dealing with for nearly 40 years.

“It is a strange, confusing and angering feeling – you know what happened wasn’t your fault yet at the same time you feel responsible for it … then you get angry at yourself for letting yourself get affected by it.

“In terms of the settlement I feel like I’ve finally been heard because shortly after the attacks I spoke to multiple authority figures yet no one listened or took meaningful action.

“It’s been tough to get here but I’m proud of myself for not giving up and I’d really encourage others to not give up on their own hopes for justice either.”

The legal action against Celtic FC was confirmed last month.

It comes after the football club apologised for historic sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club last year, following a seven-figure payout in a group legal claim.

The case related to abuse at the youth club – which was not formally affiliated with Celtic FC – by convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney.

Cairney, who is now 90-years-old, was jailed for three years in 2019 after being convicted of nine charges in connection with the sexual abuse of boys.

A later examination of facts hearing ruled he also indecently assaulted three boys between 1978 and 1989.

Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, said: Successful legal victories can be a double-edged sword because while we are proud of our client and what we have achieved together, there’s always a mindfulness about why we are in this fight in the first place.

“I am incredibly proud of my client for everything he has done – he is a great example of what perseverance can achieve and I hope this outcome allows him to look to the future in a more positive way.”

Celtic FC has been approached for comment.