Former Chelsea first team player Gary Johnson has revealed that the club paid him off with £50k, in order to silence him over allegations of sexual abuse as a youth player from former club head scout Eddie Heath.
The latest former player to tell his horrific story, amidst the recent set of revelations about sexual abuse in club and grassroots youth systems, is Johnson, who played for the Blues' from 1978 to 1981, after admitting to being indecently abused as a 13-year-old.
After approaching the club last year, as well as the Professional Footballer's Association and the police to no avail, he was handed an official document to sign and was paid a lump sum in order to remain tight lipped, but this was waived after the story recently broke to the media.
Speaking tothe Mirror, Johnson predicts that he isn't the only former play to be paid off to keep quiet on such claims, encouraging others to step forward, as well as revealing the impact the abuse had on his childhood in football.
"I think that they were paying me to keep a lid on this," said Johnson.
Gary Johnson says Chelsea paid him £50,000 for silence about abuse https://t.co/sPoZ2AxUab #CFC
"All their fans deserve to know the truth about what went on. I know they asked me to sign a gagging order and how many others are there out there?
They may have paid others for their silence. I hope and pray no clubs are allowed to cover this up “ no one should escape justice.
"I felt shame, I felt my childhood had been taken away. I spent my late teens in turmoil, absolute turmoil.
"I know there are other victims out there - it is now up to them if they come forward.�
In response, Chelsea football club revealed the following statement: "The club have retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970's, who is now deceased.
The club have also contacted the FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing the FA with any relevant information.�