CELTIC READY TO SETTLE SEX ABUSE CLAIMS

Solicitors for former players say Hoops have not admitted liability but are now willing to enter settlement negotiations with survivors

- RORY CASSIDY

CELTIC FC are seeking to settle child sex abuse claims brought against it by former Celtic Boys Club players.

Thompsons Solicitors, representing more than 20 men, confirmed the club intends to enter group settlement negotiations.

It added: "Celtic Plc have not formally admitted liability or made any other formal concessions but their desire to enter negotiations to explore the possibility of a settlement of this action has been made clear.

"This means that parties will ask the court to adjourn the forthcoming proof [hearing] to allow work to be undertaken to value individual cases."

One of the victims of former coach Frank Cairney, who is involved in the class action and does not wish to be named, said: "Had it gone to court the damage to them would have been devastating. They'll be in the process of qualifying the damages from now on." 

Nine men linked to the Boys Club have been convicted of child sex offences, including former officials and ex-coaches.