Sex abuse hotline set up after footballers speak out

A hotline set up to allow footballers and former players to report sex abuse has received its first calls, according to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

The charity set up the 24-hour-a-day hotline with the backing of the Football Association (FA) after four players spoke out about abuse by coaches.

The players have the right to anonymity but waived this in order to speak out about what they experienced. 

The first was former Crewe player Andy Woodward, who revealed he had been abused by the club´s ex-youth football scout Barry Bennell.

Peter Wanless, from the NSPCC, said he welcomed the support of the FA, adding “people must be able to speak out and get the help they need”.

The former players who have come forward have been praised by Sports Minister Tracey Crouch for their “incredible bravery”.