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Fresh football abuse claims investigated Fresh football abuse claims investigated
(about 1 hour later)
West Midlands Police has become the 18th police force to say it is investigating allegations of child abuse in football.West Midlands Police has become the 18th police force to say it is investigating allegations of child abuse in football.
It said it was speaking to complainants about "four historical allegations".It said it was speaking to complainants about "four historical allegations".
Police chiefs say hundreds of people have reported child sexual abuse in UK football after several former players made abuse allegations against coaches.Police chiefs say hundreds of people have reported child sexual abuse in UK football after several former players made abuse allegations against coaches.
Earlier, a former Chelsea footballer claimed the club paid him £50,000 to keep quiet about abuse allegations.Earlier, a former Chelsea footballer claimed the club paid him £50,000 to keep quiet about abuse allegations.
Gary Johnson, who was a member of Chelsea's first team from 1978 to 1981, told the Mirror he had been abused as a youth player in the 1970s by Eddie Heath, who is now dead.Gary Johnson, who was a member of Chelsea's first team from 1978 to 1981, told the Mirror he had been abused as a youth player in the 1970s by Eddie Heath, who is now dead.
According to the Mirror, in 2015 Mr Johnson, 57, signed a confidentiality agreement and accepted £50,000 from the club, but they did not accept blame. 'Other victims'
Chelsea said they had appointed a law firm to investigate a former employee. In addition to the West Midlands Police investigation, Kent Police has confirmed it has received reports of historical child abuse within the county's football community. A spokesman said the force was reviewing the reports.
Mr Johnson joined the club as an 11-year-old in 1970 and said he had been groomed from the age of 13 by Heath. The sexual abuse charity Safeline said the abuse extended "way beyond" football, into other sports.
Neil Henderson, its chief executive, said the football revelations had prompted a 91-year-old man to call in about the abuse he had suffered some 80 years ago.
On Friday, Mr Johnson became the latest player to make allegations of abuse.
Mr Johnson joined Chelsea as an 11-year-old in 1970 and said he had been groomed from the age of 13 by Heath.
He said once the abuse had begun, Heath would attack him at "every opportunity", adding: "He would get me naked in bed, try more adventurous things."He said once the abuse had begun, Heath would attack him at "every opportunity", adding: "He would get me naked in bed, try more adventurous things."
He said: "During the course of this three to four years, he got me to perform in threesomes with other boys, so I know there are other victims out there - it is now up to them if they come forward."He said: "During the course of this three to four years, he got me to perform in threesomes with other boys, so I know there are other victims out there - it is now up to them if they come forward."
According to the Mirror, in 2015 Mr Johnson, 57, signed a confidentiality agreement and accepted £50,000 from the club, but they did not accept blame.
Mr Johnson said he had kept the abuse a secret for decades, until the Jimmy Savile scandal had encouraged him to speak out.Mr Johnson said he had kept the abuse a secret for decades, until the Jimmy Savile scandal had encouraged him to speak out.
He told the Mirror that in 2014 he was advised by police - who have not commented on the claims - to "go back to Chelsea".He told the Mirror that in 2014 he was advised by police - who have not commented on the claims - to "go back to Chelsea".
The BBC understands that the confidentiality clause was lifted on Wednesday.The BBC understands that the confidentiality clause was lifted on Wednesday.
Mirror editor Lloyd Embley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Chelsea had been right to lift the confidentiality clause, but there were still questions as to why the money had been paid.Mirror editor Lloyd Embley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Chelsea had been right to lift the confidentiality clause, but there were still questions as to why the money had been paid.
Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn said if there was any evidence of rules being breached "and hushing up would be one" it would apply its rules "regardless of size of club".Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn said if there was any evidence of rules being breached "and hushing up would be one" it would apply its rules "regardless of size of club".
In a statement, Chelsea said: "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.In a statement, Chelsea said: "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.""The club has also contacted the FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation."
On Thursday, a number of former Southampton players alleged that they were subjected to years of grooming and sexual abuse by a former club employee. On Thursday, the NSPCC children's charity said more than 860 people had called its dedicated football hotline, set up a week ago.
Southampton FC said they would co-operate fully with any police investigation.
A former Newcastle United player, David Eatock, also came forward on Thursday, to say he had been abused by coach George Ormond.
Sir John Hall, chairman of Newcastle United at that time, said he had not been made aware of any allegations or rumours of abuse when in charge.
Hundreds of calls
The sexual abuse charity Safeline said the abuse extended "way beyond" football, into other sports.
On Thursday the NSPCC said more than 860 people had called its dedicated football sex abuse hotline, set up a week ago.
Within the first three days of it launching, the charity made more than 60 referrals to a range of agencies across the UK.Within the first three days of it launching, the charity made more than 60 referrals to a range of agencies across the UK.
Announcing its investigation, West Midlands Police said it took all reports of sexual abuse "extremely seriously" and urged anyone who may be a victim or witness to abuse to call on 101. A number of former Southampton players also alleged that they had been subjected to years of grooming and sexual abuse by a former club employee.
Southampton FC said they would co-operate fully with any police investigation.
A former Newcastle United player, David Eatock, also came forward to say he had been abused by coach George Ormond.
On Friday, Sir John Hall, chairman of Newcastle United at that time, said he had not been made aware of any allegations or rumours of abuse when in charge.
Police forces investigating allegations:
Kent Police has said it received reports of historical child abuse within the county's football community and is now reviewing them.