QPR have put their head over the parapet regarding child abuse allegations over former academy head Chris Gieler.
In the scandal that has rocked football with the dam burst on hundreds of claims of suffering footballers, Rangers have issued a statement on the man who was head of youth recruitment for 30 years at Loftus Road before suddenly leaving the club in 2003 without warning or any recognition of his long service.
His death a year later was not marked by the club either.
A number of complaints about Gieler's behaviour around QPR's academy players dating back to the 1970s are known to have been made, according to the Daily Mail.
The statement said: "QPR Football Club has been made aware of the historical allegations made against former club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football.
"The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation. The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation.
"Any form of abuse has no place in football or society.
"QPR has robust recruitment procedures and safeguarding policies in place to ensure the protection and welfare of both children and vulnerable adults, and we employ a full-time designated safeguarding manager who works across all areas of the club with specific responsibility to the Academy and Community Trust.
"In line with FA, Premier League and Football League guidelines, we have had someone responsible for safeguarding in place since 2011.
"As a club, we work closely with the police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies and comply with all best practice and legislation to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable people who come into contact with the club.
"Employees at the club also receive specific training on all safeguarding issues on a periodic basis.
"Safeguarding covers everything from sideline abuse; swearing and bullying; to serious sexual abuse.
"As part of our safeguarding children strategy, the club - in line with legislation and government guidance requires those working in roles with children and young people to pass a criminal records check and to supply references and background checks. This is standard practice.
"The FA has commissioned a dedicated NSPCC helpline for adults who were victims of sexual abuse in childhood within the football industry. The helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642."
Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.
You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.
Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!
