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Sexually abused over 'football gene'

Tony Brien spoke to the Victoria Derbyshire programme about the abuse he suffered as a child.

Aston Villa sacked a scout accused of sexually abusing boys in 1988 but did not go to police, the Victoria Derbyshire show has discovered.

Ted Langford, who died in 2012, later admitted sex offences, dating from 1976 until after he left the club in 1989.

Tony Brien, who was abused by Langford from age 12, said he felt senior figures at the club pressed him not to pursue the matter.

Then-assistant manager, Dave Richardson, strongly denies any role in deterring Mr Brien from going public.

Mr Richardson, who later became head of youth development at the Premier League, said he did everything possible to protect young players.

He initially appeared to remember speaking to Mr Brien several times on the phone, but in a statement late last night clarified this point, and said he did not believe he had ever spoken to him about the abuse.

He does say he and other managers at Aston Villa had heard claims of abuse from other parents and decided to sack the scout.

An Aston Villa spokesman said the club "considers the safeguarding and welfare of all players and staff to be of paramount importance" and encouraged anyone with any concerns to contact the relevant authorities.

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24 minutes