Celtic finally agree compensation for victims of abuse at boys' club

CELTIC have reached a settlement with victims of abuse at its feeder club.

- Douglas Dickie

Around 30 former players at Celtic Boys' Club had taken action against the Parkhead club for abuse they suffered at the hands of boys club officials.

Lawyers acting for survivors said agreements had been reached with the former players with the rest expected to follow. The case has been settled for a seven-figure sum.

The victims had been given the go-ahead to proceed with a US-style "class action" litigation in 2023 against the Scottish champions for alleged abuses.

Celtic have always insisted the youth team was a "separate entity," but lawyers acting for the former players insist the two organisations were "intimately connected".

However, yesterday the club said it was "appalled by any form of historic abuse" and offered "great sympathy" to the victims, while admitting the "historic contacts between the two organisations". In a statement, Thompsons Solicitors, acting for the victims, said: "Justice has finally been achieved."

It confirmed about 70% of cases [more than 20] had been settled, with "further settlements expected in the coming weeks".

Laura Connor, partner and head of the firm's life impact team, criticised Celtic for making the case "more complex and lengthy". She said: "Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard.