‘7 Prem clubs have had players or bosses probed for sexual offences since 2020’
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
Thank you for subscribing!
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
It’s been alleged that seven out of 20 Premier League teams have had players or club bosses investigated by police over sexual offence allegations since 2020.
The Premier League and Football Association has come under severe scrutiny regarding the interest over the safety of women and it's said there's a culture of fear attributed to speaking out – though football bodies say they take sexual misconduct very seriously.
A report by the BBC claims seven Premier League clubs have had individuals under investigation since 2020. It’s also said that two footballers continue to play and a boss is being kept in post while known to be under police investigation for sexual or domestic violence.
It’s said that the celebrity status of top footballers has led to calls for those footballers who become embroiled in criminal allegations to be suspended from playing until the matter has been fully investigated.
The article claims that one senior MP said footballers’ position as role models means it’s crucial that any allegations are handled appropriately. While chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee Dame Caroline Dinenage has called for a new regulator to ensure football changes its response to allegations of violence against women after concerns were reportedly brought to light over how some allegations were handled.
She said: “There are generations of young people that look up to them. As part of the new regulator's role setting licensing conditions, we want to see it have the powers to take clubs to task for their approach and lack of progress when it comes to improving every aspect of equality, diversity and inclusion."
The report says that some women have claimed they experienced ‘delayed response, a lack of transparency or no action’ when reporting allegations – including historic child sexual abuse – to the Premier League and FA. However, those bodies only have regulations on how to respond to allegations if they occur within a football environment.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
- Premier League
- Police
Source: Read Full Article