Barry Bennell

A fourth soccer player from England has come forward with claims of being sexually abused as a child. David White, a former player for Manchester City and England’s national team, claims he was abused by former coach Barry Bennell. More players with similar accusations could be coming in the future as well.

Bennell, a former Crewe Alexandria coach, is a convicted pedophile, so it stands to reason those he abused that have been holding in their secrets for all these years will continue to come out when they feel comfortable doing so. White was the fourth player recently to do so, joining former Crewe players Andy Woodward and Steve Walters along with former Tottenham player Paul Stewart. Police in Cheshire, England say 11 others have come forward with similar claims following Woodward’s lead.

“It is up to all of us now to grasp the nettle and we make sure we learn from this,” Professional Footballers’ Association chief Gordon Taylor said in the wake of yet another claim of abuse by a former player. “Because of Andy Woodward’s bravery, many other ex-players and apprentices are now contacting us – it is double figures now – and that is a timely warning for everybody in football about our duty of care to these youngsters.”

That is the key here. The more people speak out about this, the more awareness is given to such fiendish and sickening acts in our community.

Bennell admitted to 23 charges of sexual offenses against boys form the ages of nine to 15. He was placed in jail for nine years in 1998 for his crimes.

[BBC]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.