Manchester United is being sued in a civil claim by a man who alleges he was sexually abused as a child by Billy Watts, a former kitman and caretaker at the club's Cliff training ground in the 1980s. Watts died in 2009. Lawyers at Simpson Millar say the club has not engaged constructively despite taking part in the 2021 Sheldon Review, which recorded multiple allegations and disciplinary action in 1989. The claimant, who cannot be named, issued formal court proceedings after the firm says the club failed to cooperate; Simpson Millar is seeking accountability.
Manchester United Faces Civil Action over Alleged Historical Sexual Abuse by Former Staff
Manchester United is being sued in a civil claim by a man who alleges he was sexually abused as a child by Billy Watts, a former kitman and caretaker at the club's Cliff training ground in the 1980s. Watts died in 2009. Lawyers at Simpson Millar say the club has not engaged constructively despite taking part in the 2021 Sheldon Review, which recorded multiple allegations and disciplinary action in 1989. The claimant, who cannot be named, issued formal court proceedings after the firm says the club failed to cooperate; Simpson Millar is seeking accountability.
03:25 PM, 11/13/2025Society
Manchester United sued in civil case over historical abuse allegations
Manchester United is facing civil legal action after a man has alleged he was sexually abused as a child by Billy Watts, who worked at the club's Cliff training ground in the 1980s as a kitman, groundsman and caretaker. Watts died in 2009.
The claimant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has launched a civil claim alleging the club failed to protect him while he was under Manchester United's care and supervision. The legal action follows what the claimant's lawyers describe as a lack of constructive engagement from the club.
The BBC approached Manchester United for comment; a club spokesman said they would not be commenting.
Lawyers' position and background
Lawyers at Simpson Millar, who represent the claimant, say Manchester United has so far declined to engage fully with the legal process. The firm points to the club's participation in the 2021 Sheldon Review, which documented multiple allegations involving the caretaker and recorded that internal disciplinary action was taken against him in 1989.
Kate Hall, an abuse law specialist at Simpson Millar, said: "Our client has shown enormous courage in coming forward after so many years. Survivors deserve more than sympathy — they deserve meaningful engagement and accountability."
Simpson Millar says the club's alleged refusal to cooperate left the survivor with no option but to issue formal court proceedings. The firm continues to represent the claimant as the civil action progresses.
Wider context
Reports into child abuse in football have previously identified wider safeguarding failings across the sport. The Sheldon Review and subsequent coverage have prompted renewed scrutiny of how clubs and governing bodies responded to historical allegations.
Note: These are allegations made in a civil claim. No criminal conviction has been reported in relation to this case. The claimant's account and the club's responses are matters before the courts.