Gordon Woods, who was abused at Celtic Boys Club as a youth, passed away on Wednesday aged 71.
Rangers fans have been asked to take part in a minute’s applause for a Celtic Boys Club victim who spent his life fighting for justice.
Gordon Woods, 71, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, August 12 after a battle with a chronic lung disease. Gordon spent decades fighting for Celtic to be held accountable for the abuse that was inflicted on youths at Celtic Boys Club between the 1960s and mid-1990s.
He bravely waived his right to anonymity to lay bare the scale of the horrific mistreatment he and other boys were subjected to. Woods’ family is now asking Rangers fans to take part in a minute’s applause on the 71st minute during this Sunday’s match against St Mirren.
In response to their appeal, one fan wrote: “Gordon was a true warrior and never gave up fighting what he believed was right.”
Speaking in 2023, Woods told how he had finally taken back power from beast Jim Torbett, who terrified him as a child. Torbett began attacking Woods when he was just 13 years old. Gordon told his trial how the beast would assault him up to 40 times between 1967 and 1968.
The attacks took place in the paedophile’s flat and his car and in the back of a toy shop in Glasgow.
Speaking to the Record at the time, Gordon said: “I hope Torbett rots in jail for the pain and suffering he has caused to countless families. I have felt guilt, shame and embarrassment for over 30 years, but I have now achieved what I set out to do.
“I have taken back control from Torbett. I faced him in a court of law. The court offered me a screen so he couldn’t see me, but I refused. I wanted him to look at me when I told the court what he did to me. I wanted to show he has no power over me anymore.”
Gordon was among a group of 28 men who launched legal action against Celtic after they suffered abuse at the hands of Torbett, Frank Cairney and Jim McCafferty. Last year, nine further victims came forward after Celtic FC made payouts of more than £1million to 24 of 28 cases represented by Thomsons Solicitors.
Gordon’s death was confirmed by the Spotlight Abuse Campaign earlier this week.
A statement reads: “A brave man passed away today. Years of ill health has finally claimed the life of Gordon Woods. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and dogged determination in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.”
Tributes poured in for Gordon online following the news of his passing.
Neil Buchanan said: “So sad to read this. Rest in peace Gordon. They never ground you down. You were relentless.”
Tom McVey wrote: “My thoughts with his family and friends. The work he did in exposing the decades of abuse should never be forgotten.”
Another person wrote: “Rest easy Gordon. You fought for the truth in the face of adversity and cover up. Your fight is done Sir. God speed.”
Arthur Travers posted: “Such a brave man. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.”
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