Inquiry into Celtic sex abuse claims

Detectives were called in to investigate allegations of sexual abuse on young players at Celtic Football Club, it was confirmed last night. Strathclyde Police said a senior detective led an investigation at the club and inquiries were now complete.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that an inquiry has taken place into allegations of sexual abuse of young players at Celtic Football Club. However, these allegations have not been substantiated. No report has been forwarded to the procurator fiscal."

It is understood several players and officials at Celtic, both in the boys' team and senior club, were interviewed as part of the investigation.

According to reports yesterday, the police were called in by Celtic chief Fergus McCann after an internal investigation at the club into allegations of abuse during a boys' club tournament in the United States. It was also reported that further allegations surrounding the boys' club have been made over the past few years.

In a statement last night, Mr McCann said of the police investigation: "This matter is not currently affecting Celtic FC. Since the change of control at Celtic Park, complaints were made regarding an alleged incident in New Jersey in 1991 involving Celtic Boys' Club. Following the Boys' Club's return to Britain one of its officials resigned ... the matter was referred by the club to Strathclyde Police for investigation."