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FA chairman: Football asleep to issue of child sex abuse in 1990s

FA chairman Greg Clarke said football - and society as a whole - had a "total unawareness" of safeguarding children in the 1990s.

Speaking as police forces around the country investigate historical allegations from more than 20 former players said the sport and other institutions were "sleepwalking" rather than dealing with the problem.

Eight police forces are now looking into allegations of historical abuse in football.

There have been 250 reports made to police and more than 50 calls were made to an NSPCC hotline set up for sexual abuse victims in football in the initial hours of opening.

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GMP investigate sexual abuse claims in youth football

Credit: PA

A fifth police force have launched an investigation into allegations of historic sexual abuse in youth football.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) joined the Metropolitan Police and the FA in investigating the growing scandal, which was sparked when an ex-player spoke out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.

Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford from GMP, said: “We are co-ordinating our investigation with forces nationally and with Operation Hydrant, the national co-ordination hub for historic child abuse investigations concerning persons of public prominence.

“I would encourage anyone who was a victim of sexual or physical abuse to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.

"I completely understand that for many people, making disclosures about such traumatic events can be difficult but we will offer advice and support throughout.

“For those who do want to come forward please call police on 101.”

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FA chairman: Football asleep to issue of child sex abuse in 1990s

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