Just days after Kris Boyd openly suggested Celtic benefitted from officiating decisions in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Cup, the Parkhead club now finds itself facing a far more serious issue off the pitch.
The Hoops have been hit with fresh legal action over historic child abuse allegations connected to Celtic Boys Club, plunging the Scottish champions into renewed controversy and the possibility of another significant financial payout. The civil case, lodged at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, is being pursued by Digby Brown on behalf of a man who alleges he was sexually assaulted by disgraced former coach Frank Cairney.
It is understood the claimant is seeking a “six-figure sum” in damages from Celtic in relation to alleged abuse that dates back to around 1989, when he was just 14 years old. The lawsuit arrives at a sensitive time for the club, reigniting scrutiny over past links between Celtic Football Club and the now-notorious Boys Club setup.
The development follows last year’s substantial settlement in which Hoops chiefs agreed to pay out more than £1 million to 24 former Boys Club players. That case was brought forward by a group of 28 survivors who suffered abuse at the hands of Cairney and Jim Torbett, both of whom have since 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. In 2023, he avoided standing trial on further charges due to deteriorating health. Sheriff Tom Hughes previously ruled, following a detailed examination of the evidence, that Cairney had indecently assaulted three boys between 1978 and 1989.
The latest action suggests that the legal and reputational repercussions for Celtic are far from over. With the possibility of another substantial payout looming, the case once again raises uncomfortable questions about historic safeguarding and oversight during that era.
Richard Pitts, a partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Edinburgh, is representing the survivor in the current claim 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.”
While the football focus in recent days had centred on refereeing decisions and on-field drama, this latest lawsuit shifts attention back to a deeply troubling chapter in Scottish football history. As the case unfolds, Celtic could once again find themselves under intense public and legal scrutiny, with the potential financial and reputational consequences adding further pressure behind the scenes.