Who is Gary Johnson? Ex-Chelsea star involved in football child sex abuse scandal
Gary Johnson came forward with allegations he was abused by Chelsea's former chief scout Eddie Heath
FORMER Chelsea FC star Gary Johnson claims the club paid him £50,000 not to go public with allegations he was sexually abused by its former chief scout.
The 57-year-old says he was sexually assaulted hundreds of times by scout Eddie Heath, who is now dead, while in the youth side.
Who is Gary Johnson?
Gary Johnson played for Chelsea's senior team from 1978 to 1981.
The player, from Peckham, South London, joined the youth club in 1970 when he was 11.
He made his Chelsea debut on January 15, 1979, in a game against Manchester United, which they lost 3-0.
His last appearance for the club was in a match with Cardiff City on August 27, 1980, where they lost 1-0.
He now works as a London cab driver.
What allegations has Johnson made?
Johnson claims he was first abused by Heath, who died from a heart attack in the 1980s, was in 1973 when was around 13 or 14.
Johnson told the he went round to Heath's house in Leytonstone after a row with his father and he comforted him with snacks before putting on a porn movie.
He said he became aroused and shortly afterwards the scout performed a sex act on him.
The abuse eventually moved to the bedroom, where the scout professed his love for the youngster.
He claims to know at least three other boys who were abused by Heath, who made them engage in threesomes.
When did Johnson report the 'abuse'?
Gary Johnson approached the police after the fallout of Operation Yewtree in 2014.
He said officers advised him to "go back to Chelsea", where the club asked him to "prove it."
Settlement agreements dated July 16, 2015, show the club paid Johnson £50,000.
Chelsea said they had appointed an external law firm to carry out a formal investigation into a former employee, with the club refusing to comment on any of the details.
A club statement said: "Chelsea Football Club has retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970s, who is now deceased.
"The club has also contacted the FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing the FA with any relevant information arising out of the club's investigation."
The club now faces the prospect of fines from the Football Association.
Why did Johnson waive his anonymity now?
Forty years after the alleged abuse Johnson has decided to speak out.
He said that after he heard Paul Stewart's claims he realised I was the prequel to his story.
He told the Mirror: "After 40 years suffering in silence I wonder how many more victims are out there.
"I hope this helps more victims to come forward.
"I was so young and naive, I had trouble coping with the feelings, I was just a kid."
What's next for the football community?
A number of football players are now speaking out about the abuse they suffered.
It comes as former Alexandra Crew coach Barry Bennell was charged with eight counts of sexually abusing a boy under 14.
An independent review will also be conducted to investigate historical child abuse allegations.
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