Met probes more abuse claims

The Metropolitan Police service are the latest force to receive information alleging non-recent sexual abuse at football clubs.

The Met’s announcement on Friday came at the end of a week which has seen a number of former players follow Andy Woodward’s lead in going public with allegations of abuse by coaches.

Football’s major governing bodies have offered their support, while a helpline set up by the NSPCC received more than 50 calls within hours of going live on Thursday.

Four forces have now begun investigating allegations following earlier confirmation from police in Cheshire, Northumberland and Hampshire.

Last week, former Sheffield United player Woodward told how he was abused by coach Barry Bennell while at Crewe Alexandra between the ages of 11 and 15.

He was followed by another former Crewe player Steve Walters, ex-Manchester City striker David White and Paul Stewart, who played three times for England during a 19-year career.

Stewart, who played for Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool, believes the number of players who will feel more comfortable speaking up now will “be in the hundreds”.

In an interview with Sky Sports News HQ, 52-year-old Stewart admits he broke his silence in the hope it would encourage others who suffered similar abuse to come forward. 

The Football Association has offered its assistance, and a Premier League statement on Friday …

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