By Tim Parsons
A Chelsea illegal gagging payment to cover up the sexual abuse of a formal player has been exposed.
News that 57 year old Gary Johnson signed a “gagging order” as part of a settlement to protect his abuser and Chelsea Football Club has added to the growing number of reported sexual abuses.
The Daily Mirror’s report that Chelsea made a payment to an individual in the last three years in relation to sexual abuse by chief scout Eddie Heath has shocked many. Shocking because of the reputation of Chelsea as a real fan club.
The real shock is that the news was not released until Heath’s death. Gagging payments to cover up sexual abuses are not legal and should never be taking seriously. Any arrangement to keep quiet on an offence committed can at best be an agreement, but is not legal. Johnson said he had been abused by Heath hundreds of times in three years. The sexual abuses took place in the 70’s.
Mr Johnson said: “I think that they were paying me to keep a lid on this. Millions of fans around the world watch Chelsea. They are one of the biggest and richest clubs in the world.
“All their fans deserve to know the truth about what went on. I know they asked me to sign a gagging order, and how many others are there out there?”
“They may have paid others for their silence. I hope and pray no clubs are allowed to cover this up – no one should escape justice. We need total transparency now for the good of the game.”
Johnson has spoken up in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal that has rocked English football
Chelsea says they have asked a law firm to carry out an investigation into a former employee, but refused to comment on the details.
A statement from Chelsea read : “Chelsea Football Club has retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970s, who is now deceased.
“The club has also contacted the FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing the FA with any relevant information arising out of the club’s investigation.”
The most important thing that can emerge from this investigation is whether there are any others who have been abused more recently in the 90’s or anytime since then.