Wednesday 7th December, 2016 at 5:59pm
As part of a proactive response to the emergence of alleged abuse in football, Partick Thistle has identified one historic allegation of abuse made against a former club employee, who is now deceased. The employee worked for the club for two years as a physiotherapist. As soon as the alleged abuse was raised in 1992, the club dismissed the individual with immediate effect.
As far as Thistle’s current management can ascertain, no other allegations were made to the club at that time with regard to him or any other employee. The club has contacted the SFA and Police Scotland to advise them of what they know to date and will fully comply with any investigation.
In the meantime, Partick Thistle would urge anyone who may have been affected to contact Police Scotland, the SFA, the club or the NSPCC helpline (0800 0232642) set up to support and advise victims of abuse. In the last 24 hours, we have been approached by an anonymous individual asking for advice on who to contact with concerns relating to historic events. No details were given. The club advised he ring the NSPCC hotline in line with SFA guidance.
Thistle regards the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people who have contact with the club, at whatever level, as being of paramount importance. The club will continue to uphold the strictest standards of compliance with all safeguarding legislation.
UPDATE at 19:25
Since issuing our statement earlier this evening, some media reports have wrongly implied that the Partick Thistle board and management has known about an allegation of sexual abuse since 1992 and has covered it up.
The current board and management knew nothing of this until an internal investigation uncovered it in the last few days. As a result, the club informed the SFA and Police Scotland.
The club is being transparent and open about how it is dealing with this historical allegation and will continue to co-operate fully with the relevant authorities.
