Mark Warburton insists football will stand up and be counted over the sex abuse scandal engulfing the sport.
The Rangers manager has been appalled by the revelations of historic abuse that have made headlines both north and south of the border in recent weeks.
The Ibrox club revealed that they sacked scout Gordon Neely in 1990 and contacted police after a boy made allegations against him.
Former Celtic, Hibernian and Falkirk kitman Jim McCafferty has handed himself into police in Northern Ireland, while Partick Thistle and Motherwell have been holding internal investigations.
Thistle revealed that they sacked physiotherapist John Hart after he was accused of sexual abuse in 1992.
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has apologised for past failures after former youth coach and top-flight referee Hugh Stevenson, who died in 2004, was accused of offences.
Warburton insists the welfare of victims must come first, and said: 'I'm sure every individual club and every individual league and association will give this the focus and attention it more than deserves.
'It is a subject you have to be very careful with.
Warburton has been shocked by the revelations about historical sex abuse in football
'From our point of view, the club made a statement about the Rangers perspective. From my point of view, it is very sad. It is sickening news and your thoughts always have to be with the victims.
'I don't want to make any rash statements as I am not knowledgeable enough about what has been going on. I just hope that the victims are never forgotten. You hope clubs will deal with it appropriately.'
Warburton also believes, however, that the modern academy system serves younger players well in terms of offering support in all areas.
'People don't understand how much has gone into the academy systems up and down the country,' he said.
'That psychological support they receive at the academies means the boys are coming out mentally stronger.'
No comments:
Post a Comment