55 football clubs now named to police in connection with sexual abuse allegations
Professional and non-league clubs have been cited in the Operation Hydrant probe, which has developed rapidly in the past two weeks
THE number of football clubs named to police in connection with sexual abuse allegations rose to 55 last night.
A source at the National Police Chiefs’ Council confirmed the figure.
It was also revealed that the FA was warned almost 15 years ago about the dangers of child sexual abuse in the sport.
A critical report into child protection in football — seen by the Sunday Times — included a stark warning from a coach about “older females developing relationships with younger girls who are confused”.
Researchers found there was a lack of ability in spotting signs of sexual abuse in children.
Fourteen cases in the game were reported from 1999 to August 2002.
Last night, League One side Charlton Athletic confirmed they had launched an investigation into abuse claims made by a former player.
Russell Davy, now 50, has alleged he was abused by talent scout Eddie Heath — sending his life into a spiral of drink, crime and drugs.
The club said: “Upon being made aware of an allegation of historical abuse in the early 1980s, Charlton Athletic has immediately activated an investigation.”
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The Charlton claim followed Chelsea’s apology to former player Gary Johnson, who said Heath sexually assaulted him hundreds of times in the Seventies.
Johnson told the : "Millions of fans around the world watch Chelsea.
"All their fans deserve to know the truth about what went on.
"I know they asked me to sign a gagging order, and how many others are there?"
A statement from chiefs said the former player had "suffered unacceptably".
The Premier League leaders came under fresh fire over the weekend when a club security guard interrupted a live BBC TV report outside their Stamford Bridge ground in West London.
He ordered correspondent Sophie Long to move as she delivered a report to camera, forcing panicked producers to cut quickly back to the studio.
Presenter Kate Silverton issued an apology.
The NSPCC said it made 60 referrals to police or children’s services in the first three days of a new helpline for football abuse victims – three times as many as the children’s charity made in the same period at the start of the Jimmy Savile scandal.