Big Jock Knew

During Torbett's trial in 1998, former Celtic Boys' Club chairman Hugh Birt claimed that Stein and the Celtic board were aware of and covered up allegations made against Torbett.^[1][2] In 2017 the Daily Record reported that the BBC "had spoken to three other former Celtic Boys’ Club officials – who were employed at the time in question – who also say they were told Torbett was sacked by Stein after complaints Torbett had abused boys. But police were never called."^[3]

The official club statement following the conclusion of the 2018 trial, which expressed 'deep regret' over the abuse, asserted that they only became aware of allegations against Torbett in the mid 1990s.^[4][5]

The song has provoked controversy and has been condemned by several high profile figures and organisations.^[6] UNICEF expressed concern over the song and called for it to be banned from football games.^[7] In 2007, Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Gordon Smith called the song "morally repugnant".^[8]