Who is Bob Higgins? Ex-Southampton youth development officer involved in football child sex abuse scandal
Matt Le Tissier claims he was given a naked massage by the 63-year-old, who is at the centre of a police investigation
FORMER Southampton youth coach Bob Higgins allegedly gave a "naked massage" to footballing legend Matt Le Tissier.
The 63-year-old is at the centre of a police investigation after The Sun on Sunday previously revealed that he had been named by former youth players at the club.
SunSport understands at least seven players have come forward to Hampshire police and the NSPCC hotline about alleged abuse by the coach.
And Le Tissier has now said the accusations were not surprising to him - claiming Higgins gave him a naked massage when he was young.
We explain all you need to know.
“It was uncomfortable… I remember feeling very uncomfortable at the time.”
He continued: “It’s very, very wrong…but as a young boy you saw everyone else doing it and thought ‘Oh right, is this normal?’
“Looking back it’s pretty disgusting, I think. What went on is not normal behaviour.
“When you hear stories of the naked soapy water massages, hairy bum competitions, that kind of stuff…you lack back on it and think 'Hang on a minute, what was going on?'”
Le Tissier also praised the bravery of those who have come forward about historic sex abuse in football.
And the footie ace-turned-pundit said he hoped the courage of those who were abused in speaking out will encourage others to do the same.
He added: “It’s a long time ago - it’s just incredible they were able to get away with it for so long.”
What is the football sex abuse scandal?
Around 18 police forces across the UK are now looking into claims from more than 350 people - implicating 55 clubs.
Chelsea FC last week became the first club to acknowledge abuse went on, apologising to former player Gary Johnson.
Gary said he was sexually assaulted hundreds of times by scout Eddie Heath while in the youth side.
The apology came after Johnson claimed he was paid £50,000 to keep quiet after years of sexual abuse.
Since then, four more top clubs have been accused of paying out hush money to the alleged victims of historical sex abuse.
There is no suggestion of inappropriate behaviour towards the other players mentioned in this article.
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