Motherwell issue apology in response to review into historic sexual abuse in Scottish football

Motherwell have issued an apology to those affected by historic sexual abuse in Scottish football following the completion of an independent review.

A general view of Motherwell's Fir Park stadium

The statement read: “Motherwell Football Club acknowledges the report of the independent review into historic sexual abuse in Scottish football.

“We sincerely apologise to anyone personally affected by historic sexual abuse within the Scottish game. We recognise that the impact of abuse on survivors and their families is not historic and continues.

“As noted in the report, Motherwell FC undertook an internal inquiry in 2016 relating to the matters raised, which included hiring additional external help to try and uncover as much information as possible.

“All of the findings were passed to the independent review, as well as Police Scotland, at that time.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people, whilst in the care of Motherwell Football Club, was, is and will remain a priority for the board.”

The Fir Park side was one of a number of clubs were mentioned in the report carried out by the Scottish FA, including Partick Thistle - who issued an apology yesterday – Hibs, who also published a statement, Falkirk, Rangers, and Celtic Boys Club.

The Scottish FA called on the clubs mentioned in the report to make an "unequivocal and unreserved public apology" to those who suffered under their supervision.

The independent review found young people may have been abused from the 1970s through to the early 1990s because they were failed by adults who did not act despite “reasonable cause for suspicion” they may have been at risk.

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