Settlement agreed in Celtic Boys Club abuse cases

More than 20 legal claims of historical abuse at Celtic Boys Club have been settled for a seven-figure sum, lawyers say.

Around 30 survivors who allegedly suffered sexual abuse while playing for the Boys Club in the 70s, 80s and 90s launched legal action under new Scottish legislation.

Celtic previously said it was not responsible because the boys club was an “entirely separate” entity, but a judge greenlit the US-style “class action” group lawsuit in 2023.

The legal action relates to historical claims of sexual abuse carried out by the founder of the Boys Club Jim Torbett and a former coach Frank Cairney. Both are convicted paedophiles.

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Frank Cairney targeted several young players at the club’s Celtic Park and Barrowfield training ground.

But in September of that year, Celtic was said to be seeking to settle the claims.

The Boys Club, while not an official part of Celtic FC, was established in the 1960s as a feeder team and shared close ties including coaches and officials.

Thompsons Solicitors, representing the claimants, said a small number of cases have yet to be settled and the group litigation and individual cases remain active.

Laura Connor, partner at the law firm, said: “Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard.

“This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.

“At long last they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys’ Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club”.

Thompsons Solicitors said around 70% of cases had been settled for a seven-figure sum with further settlements expected in the coming weeks.

A statement from the club read: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that a number of legal claims in the group proceedings against the Club have been resolved. We are hopeful that settlement can be reached with the remaining group members shortly.

“For some time, we have sought to work with the group members’ lawyers to reach a resolution. The Club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward, and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure.

“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 at Celtic Boys’ Club.

“The Club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.

“The abuse of young people is an abhorrent crime which has unfortunately affected many areas of society. The Club continues to work with Scottish football to make it a safe place for all young people.”