www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/12/06/matt-le-tissier-accuses-former-southampton-coach-giving-wrong/Matt Le Tissier has accused the former Southampton coach at the centre of football’s child sexual abuse scandal of giving him a “very, very wrong” naked massage.
Former England forward Le Tissier became the biggest name yet to make allegations of wrongdoing against Bob Higgins, who had already been named to police by several ex-Saints youth players.
Le Tissier, a Premier League icon and regarded as one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, came out as an alleged victim of Higgins in an interview with the BBC.
Recounting a massage he claimed was given to him and others by Higgins, he said: “Everyone was kind of just naked and getting thrown on this bed and [given a] very, very quick, massage.
“It was uncomfortable. I’ll be honest. It was something that I wasn’t ever used to. Growing up even at school, you were kind of shy about your body at that age and you didn’t really undress in front of other people. So, I remember feeling very uncomfortable at the time.”
Asked how he felt about it now, Le Tissier replied: “It’s very, very wrong, for a start. You kind of look back and think that it was wrong but, as a young boy, you kind of saw everybody else doing it and you thought, ‘Oh right. Is this normal?’
“Looking back, it’s really disgusted, I think.
“What went on is not normal behaviour, I think, when you hear the stories of naked soapy massages, hairy bum competitions, that kind of stuff.
“The guys back then talking about those kinds of things, you look back at it now and think, ‘Whoa. Hang on a minute. What was going on?
“I’d like to think that the bravery of the boys that have come out will encourage everyone else that experienced those kinds of things, and the people that were the perpetrators of these things, they get brought to justice. Simple as that.
“It’s a long time ago and just incredible that they’re able to get away with it for so long.”
Higgins has yet to comment on the allegations against him but was acquitted of sexual abuse charges in 1992 and denied any wrongdoing when similar claims against him were made in a Dispatches documentary five years later.
He was still working in the game as recently as last month, something which prompted criticism yesterday from veteran manager Harry Redknapp, who said rumours about Higgins had been “rife” for years.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss, who also managed south-coast clubs Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth, said: “I’ve known him for a long time. He was probably the leading youth development guy in the country.
“But then the rumours were going around at that time and there was a programme I watched where this young guy spoke about Bob Higgins and the type of stuff he was doing with kids at Southampton and I thought that would be the end of him.
“I’m just amazed that he’s been involved in football since that day.”
The Football League wrote a letter to its clubs in 1989 warning them against engaging with the Bob Higgins Soccer Academy, while police and social services sent a joint letter to schools and youth groups warning them that “Mr Higgins poses a risk to children”.
Redknapp criticised the Football Association, saying: “I certainly think the FA could have done a bit more to monitor him and make sure he wasn’t allowed back into football.”
The FA’s response to rumours and allegations of child abuse will form part of an internal review by the governing body, the terms of reference for which were published yesterday.
It also announced it had been forced to replace the woman leading that review amid concerns about her independence.
The governing body had been criticised for recruiting Kate Gallafent, who has acted for it previously – as well as against it – and whose Blackstone Chambers firm is regularly used by the organisation.
Announcing her replacement as Clive Sheldon QC, it said in a statement: “The FA is committed to full disclosure of the review’s findings, subject to any legal restrictions, and the terms of reference remain open to amendment should it be deemed necessary by external counsel or the FA.
“For clarification, the FA had originally intended that Kate Gallafent QC would lead the review but in the light of the increased scope of the review since it was announced, and with respect to her other professional commitments, the decision was taken to appoint Clive Sheldon QC.
“Appointed Queen’s Counsel in April 2011, Mr Sheldon is recognised by Chambers and Partners as a Leading Silk in Administrative and Public Law. In particular, he has carried out a number of investigatory reviews in recent years which have included child protection and safeguarding matters.
“In his employment practice, Mr Sheldon specialises in high-profile discrimination claims for employers and employees, and disputes involving senior executives and high ranking public office holders. In his public law work, he has particular expertise in matters relating to the police, education, health, local authorities and human rights.
“The FA continues to work closely with the relevant authorities and respects the on-going investigation by the police being coordinated by Operation Hydrant into childhood sexual abuse in football.
“Anyone who was a childhood victim of sexual abuse in football should call the NSPCC helpline on 0800 023 2642 which is staffed by independent, experienced NSPCC professionals and available 24 hours a day, who will signpost people on to further support.”
