COLUMN '“ Ian Hart: '˜I hope everyone responsible is brought to justice'

This week's news about historic child abuse in youth football is truly shocking, there are not enough superlatives to describe the bravery and courage of the victims to speak out about the abuse they received.

As a result of the revelations, fresh police investigations are now ongoing and I hope everyone responsible is brought to justice.

Darts ‘legend’ Eric Bristow put his size 11s in with a series of inappropriate and ill-informed tweets that will almost certainly end his career, in my opinion. Having seen him try to defend his actions to Piers Morgan on ITV yesterday, I think he truly is the architect of his own downfall.

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While listening to the horrendous content of the interviews by various football players, I think we mustn’t forget that youth football in this country, due to its legislation and framework laid out by the FA, is now a very safe environment.

While it can’t detract from what has been alleged, what we must remember is that in both Worthing and countrywide all the youngsters who play the beautiful game are looked after by good, honest, hard-working people.

Another historic cup victory on the road for Worthing evoking memories for the older supporters of the FA Cup win at Minehead in 1982.

In the first round proper of the FA Trophy for the first time in 12 seasons and a mouthwatering visit to Dagenham & Redbridge beckons on Saturday week, December 10.

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The manner of the victory over Hemel Hempstead not only highlighted the ability, team spirit and work ethic of both management and players, but how the club is moving in the right direction.

I fully appreciate that the BBC have to effectively go through the motions by naming 16 nominees for sports personality of the year, but surely this year’s competition is a foregone conclusion.

Wimbledon champion, Olympic champion and world number one, the first British tennis player to top the rankings in the history of professional tennis, not taking anything away from the other 15 nominees but if Andy Murray doesn’t win then there will be serious questions asked about the credibility of the poll.

Personally, I don’t think it will come to that as I’d imagine Murray will win comfortably. And, hopefully, even the ‘Murray bashers’ will finally acknowledge that he is one of the greatest sportsmen this country has ever produced.

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And, finally, a genuine double Guinness World Record attempt takes place in the town when Worthing man Craig Peters attempts to break the record for most burpees over a period of 12 and 24 hours.

It’s all in aid of St George’s Hospital in London, who looked after Craig’s twin sons when they were first born.

He’s starting off at 9am this Saturday at Worthing FC, Woodside Road, and he would welcome any support throughout the 24 hours.

In fact, with Worthing playing at home to Billericay Town at 3pm, you could go down to watch the football and support Craig at the same time.

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For more information and to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Craig-PetersTTTs

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