Football sex abuse claims: Antonio Conte hails former Chelsea player Gary Johnson for speaking up about horrific events at the club
Former England captain Alan Shearer admits 'shock and sadness' at revelations
ANTONIO CONTE praised ‘brave’ ex-Chelsea player Gary Johnson for speaking up about sexual abuse he suffered at the club.
And former England star Alan Shearer admitted his “shock and sadness” at the revelations which have shocked football.
Blues boss Conte insisted Johnson had shown courage. He was targeted by ex-Chelsea chief scout Eddie Heath when he was a youth player in the 1970s.
Chelsea have scrapped a confidentiality clause in a £50,000 payout made to Johnson last year after he went to them with his allegations.
The FA are investigating claims Johnson was paid ‘hush money’ by the club.
Italian Conte said: “I hadn’t heard about this situation, historic abuse.
“I hope in the present and future this type of situation can never happen.
“The players who have spoken showed a lot of bravery — and I have a lot of admiration for them.”
The scandal has engulfed our national game, with 18 Police forces now following up claims of abuse.
Conte fears our nation could be tarnished.
SAINTS CALL COPS
SOUTHAMPTON are the latest Prem club to talk to police about historic sexual abuse.
Dean Radford and Jamie Webb, along with a third unnamed player, said they were groomed and abused by a former club employee.
Ex-boss Dave Merrington said: “I heard rumours about young players being massaged naked. That disturbed me.
“One of the players, when I asked him, broke down.”
He added: “English football is fantastic — it’s important not to ruin it with this situation.”
An NSPCC hotline has received 860 calls, while Police chiefs said around 350 people have reported abuse. SunSport columnist Shearer, an NSPCC ambassador, encouraged more victims to come forward.
He added: “I have been shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the abuse that colleagues, and in some cases former team-mates, suffered.
“They are bravely breaking years of silence in a bid to help others. They have carried a terrible burden for too long.”