Celtic Football Club is once again facing legal action over historic child abuse claims involving disgraced paedophile coach Frank Cairney during his spell at Celtic Boys Club.
The case is being taken forward on behalf of the man by Digby Brown at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, concerning allegations of sexual assault by the disgraced coach.
It is understood the individual is pursuing a “six-figure sum” in damages from the club in connection with the historical abuse claims dating back to his time at Celtic Boys Club.
The alleged incident occurred around 1989 when the man was just 14 years old. His action follows last year’s agreement by Hoops chiefs to pay out more than £1million to 24 former boys club players.
The previous claim was lodged by a group of 28 victims abused by Cairney and Jim Torbett, both of whom have been convicted of child sex offences.
Cairney was sentenced to three years in prison in 2019 after being found guilty of nine charges relating to the sexual abuse of boys. He avoided a further trial in 2023 due to deteriorating health.
Sheriff Tom Hughes concluded, following a review of the evidence, that Cairney indecently assaulted three boys between 1978 and 1989.
Richard Pitts, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Edinburgh, is representing the survivor in the civil action against Celtic FC.
He said:
“Each survivor of abuse should be entitled to take as long as they need to come to terms with what happened and decide what they want to do next – and after nearly 40 years our client is now ready to take his own step towards justice.
“I can therefore confirm Digby Brown is now investigating allegations of historic abuse connected with Celtic Boys Club.
“No further details can be disclosed at this time but we will continue to provide full support as the legal action progresses.”