Rangers fans have applauded the club for their statement on an incredibly sensitive SFA report into child sex abuse in Scottish football.
The Gers have been criticised by many – including by some of the club’s own supporters – for their continuing silence over the report which was released in February and called on clubs to apologise.
Taking to the club’s official website, Rangers have finally broken their silence on the report’s findings which implicated one individual who was under the club’s employment at the time.
Rangers reiterated in their statement that this individual was reported to the police when allegations were brought forward and apologised to anyone directly affected by abuse in Scottish football.
“We are in receipt of the report published by the SFA following the review of sexual abuse in Scottish Football and have taken some time to consider its lengthy findings and recommendations,” reads a Rangers statement [Rangers].
“We are firmly committed to ensuring openness and transparency in relation to this issue and agree on the uninterrupted ethical obligation of clubs over time, irrespective of changes.
“We express our sincere sympathy to all individuals who have suffered abuse within the Scottish game and commend the bravery of all survivors who have come forward.
“With regard to the specific instances referred to, as the report states, these concerned one former employee.
“We note the report accepts that when former senior managers were provided with a direct allegation this was taken seriously and dealt with promptly.
“The report commends the action taken and acknowledges Rangers have previously said publicly the matter was reported to the police at the time.
“Today, Rangers is at the forefront of child safety and well-being in football.
“We believe it is a moral obligation to ensure that Scottish Football is beyond reproach and all safeguarding measures are strictly adhered to.
“We agree that it is time for all of Scottish Football to learn from and take responsibility for mistakes made in the past.
“We fully acknowledge the impact of these events and the enduring effect on individual lives. We apologise to anyone personally affected by abuse within Scottish Football.”
This is obviously a very sensitive matter and Rangers should be commended for not only speaking out, but also taking their time to do so.
The club’s supporters roundly applauded Rangers for their frank and honest apology as the club broke its silence on the SFA report:
https://twitter.com/sayersy1872/status/1370344580537851906
https://twitter.com/RFCBenB/status/1370345018439962624
https://twitter.com/OhItsSteely/status/1370347049212915715
https://twitter.com/MrBlueStock1/status/1370347898160943105
Rangers will continue to fulfil a leadership role in Scottish football and this is a particularly sensitive subject which requires tact and class.
Rangers fans have also lauded chairman Douglas Park for his response to the Scottish government and their continuing public vehemence towards public title celebrations over the weekend.
