Paedophilia within the game/City launch redress scheme

[toffee balls]

Manchester City said in a statement: "The Club is aware of allegations that Barry Bennell had an association with Manchester City Football Club in the 1980s."As a result the Club is currently undertaking a thorough investigation of any past links he might have had with the organisation."

Technically with the name.

I played for Whitehill in the mid 70's when Bennell was coach.
Whitehill was City boys for many years.

 

[FanchesterCity]

The difference being, that some of those who covered it up are still employed at the BBC, in fact some who facilitated it were until not long ago. If it turns out that Bennel abused people on City property then its probably good for it to be known, but it can't be allowed for the press to associate it with the club as it is now. There is also a huge difference at Crewe, where he was an employee, and one (or possibly more I don't know) of their current directors is still at the club.

I don't see a difference. I expect people at Crewe employed his services unwittingly, just as City may have, it doesn't matter if you employ their services for a day, or a decade, it's just unfortunate if that individual turns out to be a predator. You can say 'some of those at the BBC who covered it up are still there' - but that's pure speculation. There's no firm evidence of a cover up. And there are people at City who were also around back then - likewise, no evidence to suggest they knew!
The real issue is how a club behaves once it suspects there might be wrongdoing. I can see a case where 'rumours' exist, but nobody feels there is any proof, but decides to disassociate from that person. In today's climate, we'd ask 'why didn't you report the rumours?' - but when I was a schoolboy, there was a rumour about a teacher in almost every school! (not necessarily paedophilia).

Hopefully more truth will come to light. If people turned a blind eye, or brushed the truth under the carpet, then they won't be sleeping easy tonight.

 

[kaz7]

Another one has come foward,not named but ex Newcastle player

http://news.sky.com/story/football-coach-sex-abuse-revelations-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-10669590

 

[Ric]

The Times and The Mail leading with stories about our internal investigation on their back pages tomorrow:

 

[makinghistory]

Saw Paul Stewart on the news tonight. He couldnt hold himself. Just started filling up. Couldnt believe I was watching a player I idolised in such a situation. Very sad to watch.

 

[Blumooniac]

Well done, Paul Stewart. Great courage, full of admiration for you.

As for the headlines Ric has just posted; Well, what do we expect? Lame journalism, seeking to score cheap points when covering a serious issue that encompasses the whole of football. Sad.

 

[cleavers]

As for the headlines Ric has just posted; Well, what do we expect? Lame journalism, seeking to score cheap points when covering a serious issue that encompasses the whole of football. Sad.

Totally predictable, but there is no agenda at all.

 

[Shirley]

Saw Paul Stewart on the news tonight. He couldnt hold himself. Just started filling up. Couldnt believe I was watching a player I idolised in such a situation. Very sad to watch.

It was the main news story on the BBC world news broadcast here in SE Asia.

 

[The Light Was Yellow Sir]

Totally predictable, but there is no agenda at all.

So there's allegations of serious impropriety, possibly affecting children who might have been under the care of City, and all you can mention is the word agenda? I've looked at the stories and there is nothing negative in them at all. City are behaving exactly as you would hope, given the veracity of these charges. Where issues like this are concerned, club colours should be redundant and the truth is all that matters.

 

[cleavers]

So there's allegations of serious impropriety, possibly affecting children who might have been under the care of City, and all you can mention is the word agenda?

I don't think there are any allegations about children's care whilst at City, at least I've seen none (other than this fella might have had links with the club), and whilst 2 of our former players have come forward as being abused, both have said where it was, Manchester youth football clubs, and nothing to do with City.

I've looked at the stories and there is nothing negative in them at all.

So you don't think those headlines are sensational ? Particularly the language of the Daily Mail one. (Oh and posted right next to a positive headline about united/rooney.)
OK.

City are behaving exactly as you would hope, given the veracity of these charges.Where issues like this are concerned, club colours should be redundant and the truth is all that matters.

I didn't say that City weren't, and of course it doesn't mater what club colours are involved, in something this serious, but there are no charges against anyone at City, we are investigating if he had any links at the club, but they (particularly the mail) have done exactly that by sensationalising their headlines in the way they have.