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Football

26th Nov 2016

Robbie Savage calls for ‘full inquiry’ into football’s child sex abuse scandal

He has praised the bravery of the players who have spoken out

Tom Victor

Former Wales international Robbie Savage has said the FA and PFA need to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in addressing the child sex abuse scandal which has shocked the footballing world.

Several footballers have come forward with claims about former Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell, with Chris Unsworth and Jason Dunford the latest to speak out.

And Savage, who was spotted by Bennell as a young footballer and made his professional debut with Crewe, has praised the bravery of those who have opened up about their experiences in the past.

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“The people who have come out this week and talked about what’s happened have been so courageous,” Savage told the Daily Mirror.

“It was Barry Bennell who first spotted the potential in me and sent me on trial to Crewe, but I was one of the lucky ones – I wasn’t targeted by him.

“But everyone in football now has to deal with what happened. The FA and the PFA need a full inquiry, 100%, no stone unturned.

The NSPCC has launched a dedicated football hotline after several ex-footballers followed the lead of Andy Woodward in speaking out.

It is available 24 hours a day and can be reached on 0800 023 2642.