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Post by Macmoish on Dec 5, 2016 22:52:25 GMT
MAIL ueens Park Rangers dragged into sex abuse storm with former chief scout Chris Geiler to be named in allegations QPR's former chief scout Chris Geiler will be named in child abuse allegations Geiler left QPR in 2003 without warning and his death was not marked in 2004 Complaints about Geiler's behaviour around academy players have been made By Charles Sale for the Daily Mail Published: 17:30 EST, 5 December 2016 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 5 December 2016 e-mail View comments Queens Park Rangers are expected to be the latest club embroiled in the ever-growing sex abuse scandal that has resulted in one of the biggest crises to hit football. Chris Geiler, QPR's former chief scout, will be the name at the centre of the allegations. He was head of youth recruitment for 30 years at Loftus Road before suddenly leaving the club in 2003 without warning or any recognition of his long service. Queens Park Rangers' former chief scout Chris Geiler will be named in sex abuse allegations +2 Queens Park Rangers' former chief scout Chris Geiler will be named in sex abuse allegations Nor did QPR mark his death a year later in any form. A number of complaints about Geiler's behaviour around QPR's academy players dating back to the 1970s are known to have been made. QPR are taking the matter extremely seriously, but they do not intend to comment until allegations are made directly against Geiler by a former QPR youth player. Geiler suddenly left QPR in 2003 without any recognition and his death was not marked +2 Geiler suddenly left QPR in 2003 without any recognition and his death was not marked Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4003206/Queens-Park-Rangers-dragged-sex-abuse-storm-former-chief-scout-Chris-Geiler-named-allegations.html#ixzz4S0UNX0nKFollow us: @mailonline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4003206/Queens-Park-Rangers-dragged-sex-abuse-storm-former-chief-scout-Chris-Geiler-named-allegations.html |
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Post by superckat on Dec 6, 2016 0:38:02 GMT
I guess some won't be shocked by this news. But I am.
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 6, 2016 0:49:44 GMT
Presumably everyone at the club then is no longer with us. But if there's any truth, then our club as a whole is
at minimum morally responsible to helping anyone hurt.
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 6, 2016 0:54:15 GMT
If one googles his name, one sees some cryptic posts from 3 years ago...which of course doesnt make it true
I'm sure others know more.
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Post by Bushman on Dec 6, 2016 8:01:20 GMT
I'm not at all surprised.
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Post by Bushman on Dec 6, 2016 8:27:39 GMT
I guess some won't be shocked by this news. But I am. A twitter convo from 2014. |
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 6, 2016 10:27:14 GMT
QPR OFFICIAL SITE 08:45 6th December 2016 QPR issue statement relating to child abuse in football CLUB STATEMENT QPR Football Club has been made aware of the historical allegations made against former club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football. The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation. Any form of abuse has no place in football or society. QPR has robust recruitment procedures and safeguarding policies in place to ensure the protection and welfare of both children and vulnerable adults, and we employ a full-time designated safeguarding manager who works across all areas of the club with specific responsibility to the Academy and Community Trust. In line with FA, Premier League and Football League guidelines, we have had someone responsible for safeguarding in place since 2011. As a club, we work closely with the police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies and comply with all best practice and legislation to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable people who come into contact with the club. Employees at the club also receive specific training on all safeguarding issues on a periodic basis. Safeguarding covers everything from sideline abuse; swearing and bullying; to serious sexual abuse. As part of our safeguarding children strategy, the club - in line with legislation and government guidance - requires those working in roles with children and young people to pass a criminal records check and to supply references and background checks. This is standard practice. The FA has commissioned a dedicated NSPCC helpline for adults who were victims of sexual abuse in childhood within the football industry. The helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642. The club will be making no further comment at this time. www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/qpr-3447813.aspx#YKW0ptgITzSbjBKO.99 |
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Post by sharky on Dec 6, 2016 11:31:02 GMT
"The club will be making no further comment at this time."
I bet they bloody well won't. On the face of it they covered up for a paedophile. If that's true, those in the know must have the book thrown at them no matter who they are.
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Post by blatantfowl on Dec 6, 2016 12:30:35 GMT
"The club will be making no further comment at this time." I bet they bloody well won't. On the face of it they covered up for a paedophile. If that's true, those in the know must have the book thrown at them no matter who they are. Not sure how you reach the conclusion QPR were covering up? He was removed from post and any decision to prosecute is down to the police/CPS. I see nothing about payments being made in exchange for silence as has been alleged in other cases. |
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Post by sharky on Dec 6, 2016 12:55:19 GMT
"The club will be making no further comment at this time." I bet they bloody well won't. On the face of it they covered up for a paedophile. If that's true, those in the know must have the book thrown at them no matter who they are. Not sure how you reach the conclusion QPR were covering up? He was removed from post and any decision to prosecute is down to the police/CPS. I see nothing about payments being made in exchange for silence as has been alleged in other cases. A long term youth scout leaves suddenly, without acknowledgement and nothing more about his being at QPR is acknowledged. To me, on the face of it, it's a cover up. If it wasn't taken to the police then the police/CPS had nothing to prosecute. If he was squeaky clean why would he suddenly leave without acknowledgement and celebration for his time at QPR and is now embroiled in the sexual abuse allegations? There don't have to be payments to mean there was a cover up. What has come pout so far looks very unsavory to me, but time will tell as the facts emerge. I reiterate that if people at QPR covered up for a paedophile they should have the book thrown at them. |
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Post by sharky on Dec 6, 2016 13:03:32 GMT
From the BBC www.bbc.com/news/uk-38221613Ex-QPR employee Chris Gieler named in abuse inquiry11 minutes ago From the section UK Image caption QPR football club said it would "co-operate fully in any forthcoming investigation" QPR football club have said they are aware of historical child abuse allegations made against former employee Chris Gieler. The Championship club said it "takes these allegations very seriously" and would "co-operate fully in any forthcoming investigation". Mr Gieler left the club in 2003 and died the following year. He was employed by the west London side for about 30 years, working in youth development and as chief scout. Mr Gieler arrived at Loftus Road in 1971 as a schoolboy scout and in 1979 he became youth development manager, responsible for the entire youth programme. Child sex abuse claims: The story so farMore than 20 former footballers - including ex-youth players, trainees and professionals - have come forward with allegations of historical abuse at various clubs. The Football Association has announced an internal review, to be led by Clive Sheldon QC. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has become the latest force to confirm it is investigating claims, so there are now 21 police forces looking into reports. A dedicated sexual abuse helpline has been set up by the NSPCC, supported by the FA. Abuse reviewEarlier, former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp told the BBC that "rumours" that ex-Southampton coach Bob Higgins may have abused young players in the 1980s had been "rife" for years. He said that, because of this, he was "amazed" that Mr Higgins, who is facing fresh allegations of historical sexual abuse, had continued to be involved in football. Former Southampton youth player and ex-professional footballer Billy Seymour told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme that he had been abused by Mr Higgins from the age of 12 to 14. He said that because of this he had "self-medicated" with drink and drugs, and said he had been to prison three times for "anger issues". "My life has been chaos really, over the last 20 years," he said. "I'm just hoping now I can start opening up and start living." Mr Higgins has previously denied all allegations and was acquitted of sexual abuse charges in 1992. The BBC has been unable to contact him for comment. Meanwhile, the FA has published the full terms of reference of its review, which covers what was known and what actions were taken by the FA from the 1970s. The FA said the precise number of players, alleged abusers and clubs it would investigate was as yet unknown. Gagging ordersSeparately, a lawyer representing a new body supporting victims said "calls and emails are coming in all the time" from players claiming to have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements with clubs in return for compensation. He told the BBC such clauses would seem "entirely inappropriate" for an issue such as the abuse of children, but said that the victims coming forward had named "several" clubs as using them. The claims come after Chelsea FC apologised to former player Gary Johnson for the abuse he suffered as a trainee in the 1970s, having waived the confidentiality clause in a £50,000 agreement they made with him last year. Who is Bob Higgins?In April 1989, Bob Higgins was dismissed by Southampton FC, where he worked as a youth coach, after several allegations were made against him. He had set up The Bob Higgins Soccer Academy, but on 27 April 1989 the Football League sent a letter to all football clubs warning that it was "opposed to the activities" of the group. In May 1995, Mr Higgins joined Peterborough Utd as a youth coach. He left in April 1996 by mutual consent. After spending some time working in Malta he was appointed manager of the non-league side Bashley FC, until he was sacked in 2001. After Bashley he briefly worked at Winchester City where he operated in an "advisory role" for the senior team. He later landed a coaching role with Fleet Town FC on an "informal, unpaid basis", but has since left. Fleet Town said his role did not involve working with children. |
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Post by terryb on Dec 6, 2016 14:19:48 GMT
Presumably everyone at the club then is no longer with us. But if there's any truth, then our club as a whole is at minimum morally responsible to helping anyone hurt. Ian Holloway & Mark Bircham were at the club at that time. Not that I would have thought they were involved in the decisions for the dismissal of this man. Holloway, as manager, may have been informed of the reasons though. Perhaps you could ask your friend, Bill Power, as to what happened in 2003? |
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Post by Bushman on Dec 6, 2016 14:49:44 GMT
A number of former players have been prepared to speak on the condition of anonymity about the offences of Chris Gieler Sam Wallace, chief football writer 6 DECEMBER 2016 • 2:01PM The former Queen’s Park Rangers youth development officer Chris Gieler stands accused of sexual offences against schoolboys and apprentices in the club’s system for a period spanning three decades, the Daily Telegraph can reveal. A Telegraph investigation into the activities of Gieler, who died, aged 57 in September 2002, has discovered a number of former players who have been prepared to speak on the condition of anonymity about the offences of a man who served under a number of different managers. QPR have today launched an investigation into Gieler on the basis of complaints made to the club. The Telegraph has been told that Gieler – full name Christopher Paul Gieler - repeatedly subjected boys to inappropriate touching, especially when they were in his car. One source told the Telegraph: “He was definitely perverted, and this was perverted abuse. There was inappropriate touching, invading people’s personal space, from a position of power. It was abuse of power.” He is also accused of: insisting that boys reported to him alone at the club youth team training ground and remove their trousers in order that he could examine their legs, despite being in no way qualified to do this encouraging boys to stay over at his home in Hillingdon calling boys late at night at their homes and asked them questions about their relationship while he masturbated. talking to the boys about their genitalia, and their sexual development in front of others and in terms that were inappropriate on one occasion taking a boy shopping and bought him skimpy underwear which he then insisted the boy display to the rest of the squad One former player told the Telegraph that there were concerns over Gieler’s relationship with one of their team-mates in the youth team. The player in question had an operation on a serious injury and Gieler had collected him from the hospital. “Chris called the physio’s room before training about 9.30am and a few of us were in there. Chris was on the phone and said to the physio, ‘You’ll never guess what X [injured youth team player] has got me doing. I’m making him breakfast in bed’.” The source said: “He would call you at night-time asking things like, ‘Why do you like me?’ It was really strange. ‘You would make something up like, ‘You make me feel confident’. He would repeat all that back to you. His voice was muffled like he was in a small cubicle. I don’t like to think about what he was doing at the time. “He had this thing about wanting to check how strong your legs were. He would call you into a small changing room and ask you to drop your tracksuit bottoms. A few of us probably had to do it on a few different occasions. It was like ‘Let’s go down there and see if your legs are getting any bigger’. “He seemed to me a deeply perverted man with a liking for young boys.” Gieler made his name at the club in the late 1970s and early 1980s when he brought through a golden generation of players, many of whom were part of the first team in the 1980s. The Telegraph has learned that Gieler had at his disposal a budget which he misused to bribe the parents of promising schoolboys, some of whom were junior internationals. www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/12/06/revealed-qpr-youth-development-officer-chris-gieler-abused-boys/ |
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Post by sharky on Dec 6, 2016 14:59:17 GMT
....and the above Telegraph article continues
The Telegraph has been told that boys were often bought presents – clothes and bikes – ostensibly as inducements to sign schoolboy and apprentice forms at the club. Favourite players of Gieler were also given money to spend at Stuarts, a popular clothes shop in Shepherds Bush.
Gieler’s most prolific period for recruiting schoolboy players who graduated from their youth team into the first team was between 1978 and 1985, which coincided with one of the most successful era in QPR’s history. Under Terry Venables, they reached the 1982 FA Cup final and in 1984 finished fifth in the First Division – the top-flight – having been promoted the year before.
While there is no suggestion that any of the following were abused by Gieler, during his time at the club the following made the breakthrough into the first team: Clive Allen, Paul Goddard, Warren Neill, Gary Cooper, Wayne Fereday, Gary Waddock, David Kerslake, Alan McDonald, Martin Allen, Ian Dawes, Ian Muir, Justin Channing, Ian Stewart and Tony Roberts.
There were other former apprentices who went on to have good careers elsewhere including Dougie Freedman and the former Stevenage and Preston North End manager, Graham Westley, current in charge of Newport County. It was for the success of those years, which the club never came close to repeating, that Gieler was able to ensure such longevity. There were sporadic successes after that with the likes of Danny Dichio, Kevin Gallen, Nigel Quashie and Richard Langley.
Gieler was well-known in youth football in London for his habit of wearing wigs. He had no reputation as a coach although he would occasionally take a specific QPR youth age group side on a temporary basis. His job was the recruitment of young players in the competitive London market and he fulfilled that role under a number of chairman including David Bulstrode and Chris Wright. There is no suggestion they were aware of the abuse.
For many years he had the power to award professional contracts to apprentice players and appeared to do so on an adhoc basis, based on a system of favourites, according to those players who were there at the time. He left young players in no doubt that it was he who held the key to their futures.
When he died in 2002 of Cancer, the Telegraph can reveal that a complaint had been made against him shortly afterwards by a senior official at the club who had by then left QPR. The report was made to Hammersmith police who took no further action on the basis that Gieler had died.
The Telegraph has spoken to another former player who, after he had left the club, was contacted by Gieler who told him that a complaint had been made against him by parents of a player for inappropriate behaviour. Gieler requested that the former player act as a character witness – a request which was declined. There is no record of any prosecution.
The Telegraph also understands that a house belonging to Gieler was left to one of QPR’s former youth team players. The Telegraph knows the identity of that player but has chosen not to reveal it. His funeral in 2002 was, according to a source who was there, “poorly attended” given the years that he spent at QPR.
In a statement today, QPR said: “QPR Football Club has been made aware of the historical allegations made against former club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football. The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation. Any form of abuse has no place in football or society.
“QPR has robust recruitment procedures and safeguarding policies in place to ensure the protection and welfare of both children and vulnerable adults, and we employ a full-time designated safeguarding manager who works across all areas of the club with specific responsibility to the Academy and Community Trust.
“In line with FA, Premier League and Football League guidelines, we have had someone responsible for safeguarding in place since 2011. As a club, we work closely with the police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies and comply with all best practice and legislation to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable people who come into contact with the club. Employees at the club also receive specific training on all safeguarding issues on a periodic basis. Safeguarding covers everything from sideline abuse; swearing and bullying; to serious sexual abuse.
“As part of our safeguarding children strategy, the club - in line with legislation and government guidance - requires those working in roles with children and young people to pass a criminal records check and to supply references and background checks. This is standard practice. The FA has commissioned a dedicated NSPCC helpline for adults who were victims of sexual abuse in childhood within the football industry. The helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 6, 2016 15:23:36 GMT
Again, if true, what did others at the club do, or not do.
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Post by blatantfowl on Dec 6, 2016 15:23:43 GMT
sharky - I cannot quote u cos am only on a mobile. Of course he is not squeaky clean! He got the sack presumably for inappropriate conduct. That's what I read into it. Without a specific criminal allegation and police involvement then the club did what was within its remit. They could not have put out a statement saying "we sacked him because he was a paedophile." That doesn't mean it was a cover up. If there was a specific allegation and the police were not informed or the victim was coerced by the club to remain quiet then that's different.
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Post by Bushman on Dec 6, 2016 15:33:27 GMT
The club had tried sacking him before.
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 6, 2016 15:36:47 GMT
I understand it's a different era and people think differently - and are today, more suspicious - But if people at the club heard any rumours; sure maybe they can't axe him; but they could quarantine him from any individual/alone contacts
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Post by Bushman on Dec 6, 2016 16:05:19 GMT
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Post by superckat on Dec 6, 2016 20:33:54 GMT
I guess some won't be shocked by this news. But I am. A twitter convo from 2014. The club has a lot to answer for. |
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Post by nomar on Dec 7, 2016 0:31:10 GMT
We had to be involved in this nonsense, didn't we!
Truly sickening, but we at least know we are not the only club that's going to be embroiled in this. Sad day for everyone, but especially the poor kids whose lives this sick bar steward ruined.
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Post by bp on Dec 7, 2016 4:34:32 GMT
Presumably everyone at the club then is no longer with us. But if there's any truth, then our club as a whole is at minimum morally responsible to helping anyone hurt. Ian Holloway & Mark Bircham were at the club at that time. Not that I would have thought they were involved in the decisions for the dismissal of this man. Holloway, as manager, may have been informed of the reasons though. Perhaps you could ask your friend, Bill Power, as to what happened in 2003? Terry, I'd like to think I'm a friend of every Rs fan. That said, I did join in 2003 and as far as I know Chris Geiler had left the club. He was never mentioned to me in any conversation. Not once with anyone. I had no idea of when he left or under what circumstances and I wasn't even aware he had died in 2004 otherwise I would have suggested some sort of statement. It's bloody sad that any kid in any environment has ever suffered abuse. |
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Post by terryb on Dec 7, 2016 11:18:58 GMT
Ian Holloway & Mark Bircham were at the club at that time. Not that I would have thought they were involved in the decisions for the dismissal of this man. Holloway, as manager, may have been informed of the reasons though. Perhaps you could ask your friend, Bill Power, as to what happened in 2003? Terry, I'd like to think I'm a friend of every Rs fan. That said, I did join in 2003 and as far as I know Chris Geiler had left the club. He was never mentioned to me in any conversation. Not once with anyone. I had no idea of when he left or under what circumstances and I wasn't even aware he had died in 2004 otherwise I would have suggested some sort of statement. It's bloody sad that any kid in any environment has ever suffered abuse. Thanks Brian. As Mac often refers to yourself, I just thought it strange that he would post his comment without referring to you! It also seems strange to me that some reeports list Geiler as having died in 2002 & some as 2004. I have also seen a report that stated that the authorities were informed of these allegations but took no action as Geiler was dead. It would be good IF the club took the appropriate actions at the time. |
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Post by Lonegunmen on Dec 7, 2016 21:27:16 GMT
Thanks for your input Bill. I note one famous name missing and he was in our youth team. I hope he was not a victim. Just as it saddens me that any of the lads may have been interfered with. Thank God I did not meet him in 1980.
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Post by nomar on Dec 9, 2016 14:36:14 GMT
Sadly, this stuff is more widespread than we'd like to believe.
Can't for the life of me fathom out what on earth people want to do that stuff for. So many young lives completely ruined by these spawn of Satan.
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 15, 2016 7:19:14 GMT
BBC "QPR coach #ChrisGieler 'kept on after 1980s investigation'" - @bbc www.bbc.com/news/uk-38315212 QPR coach Chris Gieler 'kept on after 1980s investigation' By Jim Reed, Louis Lee Ray and Jo Adnitt BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme Queens Park Rangers continued to employ youth officer Chris Gieler after carrying out an internal investigation into his behaviour in the 1980s, the Victoria Derbyshire show has learned. Four youth players were questioned by senior management in the investigation, though the outcome is unknown. Last week, one man said he had been sexually assaulted at the age of 15 by Mr Gieler. QPR said it took allegations against Mr Gieler "very seriously". The club has previously said it would "co-operate fully in any forthcoming investigation". Mr Gieler, QPR's ex-chief scout, died in 2002, shortly after he left the club. He had arrived at Loftus Road in 1971 as a schoolboy scout and in 1979 became youth development manager, responsible for the entire youth programme. Last week, an anonymous man told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme he had been sexually assaulted by Mr Gieler in the 1980s, when he was 15. Former players have described what they saw as Mr Gieler's "inappropriate behaviour" while at the club. "He would feel boys' legs to make sure they were developing properly and chat to boys while they were in the shower after a game," said one former player who didn't want to be named. "You would feel very uncomfortable about it." A number of sources claimed Gieler would often spend large amounts of money on his favourite youth team players, known as "Gieler's boys". This included hundreds of pounds on sports equipment, clothes and holidays. Child sex abuse claims - story so far Football abuse line takes 1,700 calls FA 'was dismissive' of sex abuse concerns Met football abuse inquiry covers 30 clubs In 1987, then-QPR chairman Jim Gregory sold the club for £5.8m to a group led by property developer David Bulstrode. Shortly after, an internal investigation was carried out into Mr Gieler's behaviour and actions. Four youth players were individually questioned by senior members of management at the club before Mr Bulstrode's death in September 1988. The outcome of the investigation is not known. It has not been established that the club found any evidence of abuse. Chris Gieler was allowed to continue to work with young boys until he left the club, shortly before his death in 2002. One former player told the Victoria Derbyshire programme that Mr Gieler's behaviour had not changed after the investigation and he would still transport boys in his car to and from games without any other adults present. He said that even if the club didn't find any evidence of abuse, it should have monitored Chris Gieler more closely to stop him behaving inappropriately towards young boys. "For me the club were complicit after that point and didn't act on it," the player claimed. "They should have put a safeguarding policy in place." Image copyright Thinkstock Queens Park Rangers said last week that it took the allegations of abuse by Mr Gieler very seriously and would cooperate fully in any investigation. "Any form of abuse has no place in football or society," the club said. "We continue to cooperate fully with the police and the Football Association, and so as not to hinder the investigation, it would not be appropriate for the club to comment further on the matter at this time." The club said it now required those working in roles with children and young people to pass a criminal records check and to supply references and background checks. More than 20 UK police forces have confirmed they are investigating claims of historical child abuse in football. Last week, police chiefs said there were 83 potential suspects and 98 clubs involved. The National Police Chiefs' Council said 98% of the identified victims were male and that they were aged between seven and 20 when they were allegedly abused. A dedicated sexual abuse helpline has been set up by the NSPCC, supported by the FA. The BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme is broadcast on weekdays between 09:00 and 11:00 on BBC Two and the BBC News channel. |
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Post by Macmoish on Dec 15, 2016 16:08:32 GMT
And Former QPR player accuses club of being complicit to the sexual abuse of youth footballers www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/former-qpr-player-accuses-club-of-being-complicit-to-the-sexual-abuse-of-youth-footballers-a3421386.html Sport Football Former QPR player accuses club of being complicit to the sexual abuse of youth footballers simon johnson 2 hours ago 0 chrisgieler0712a.jpg Chris Gieler QPR have been accused by a former player of being “complicit” in the abuse of youngsters after it emerged the club continued to employ Chris Gieler for 15 years after launching an investigation into him. The club began looking into allegations relating to their former head of youth recruitment in 1987 but he stayed at Loftus Road until shortly before his death in 2002. Gieler’s behaviour during his 31 years at the club publicly came into question last week after one man alleged he had been sexually abused by him in the Eighties at the age of 15. Other former players have come forward to speak about his “inappropriate behaviour”. However, QPR were concerned enough in the Eighties to conduct their own inquiry. Read more Former QPR player recalls how he was abused by ex-scout Chris Gieler Senior management interviewed four youth players but while the findings are unknown or whether any abuse was uncovered, Gieler stayed in his role. One former player told the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Programme: “For me the club were complicit after that point [of their own investigation] and didn’t act on it. They should have put a safeguarding policy in place.” Rangers have already promised to help the police and the FA with any inquiry following the complaint last week. After being contacted by Standard Sport about the latest allegations, a QPR spokesperson said: “As communicated via a club statement last Tuesday [December 6], QPR are aware of the historical allegations made against Chris Gieler. The club take these allegations very seriously. Any form of abuse has no place in football or society. “We continue to co-operate fully with the police and the FA, and so as not to hinder the investigation, it would not be appropriate for the club to comment further on the matter at this time.” |
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