Football sexual abuse scandal shocks fans, concerns for UK sports

Football fans in London are shocked by the football sexual abuse scandal which has made global headlines in recent days, and show concern for the future of sports in the United Kingdom (UK).

They made the remarks during interviews with China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.

“I just don’t understand how so many people can just actually feel that way. It makes me feel so sick. I wouldn’t just let it happen, no way, it’s just like letting yourself be used in a sexual kind of way. It’s not very good, so I know you just stand up and fight for it,” said Daniel Tarran, a 17-year-old high school student.

There are about 9,000 teenagers receiving football training in the UK, which is the main source for football clubs to select new players.

“It makes you distrust the public. It can make the public distrust people in authority, in those positions, and I think that’s a sad thing,” said Zak a 28-year-old software developer.

Adam Smith, a manager from a real estate company, hoped that football training programs for teenagers have become safer than they once were.

An authority established by the government has been assisting the Football Association (FA) to protect children and teenagers since 2000. This authority has the power to carry out independent investigation on the FA.

“You know it’s coming out of football now. What sport is going to be next?” said Mark Tarran, a bank staff member and Daniel’s father.

The sexual assault case of six retired football players which surfaced last week is now being investigated by four police stations.