Football club say sorry for own goal
A FOOTBALL club apologised yesterday after a former player and commercial manager made remarks about paedo-philes in a match programme.
In his farewell message to supporters of the Scottish Second Division club Hamilton Academical, ex-midfielder Gary Clark said the number of youngsters in the team this season would make it look like a "paedophile's buffet".
Childline Scotland described the words as ill-considered, particularly from a footballer - a profession looked up to by young people.
The club defended Mr Clark, saying his comments were light-hearted and had been taken out of context, but added it would issue an apology from itself and the player, who has signed for Hamilton's Second Division rivals Alloa.
In the programme message on Saturday, Mr Clark told supporters they had much to look forward to at Hamilton in the season ahead.
Of the current team, he said it would be "like a paedophile's buffet, it will be full of young boys".
Scott Struthers, Hamilton's club secretary and programme editor, said: "The whole piece was a light-hearted one and although the remark could be considered ill-judged, it was very tongue in cheek and has been taken out of context."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments