THE Scottish Football Association has apologised for failing to properly deal with a Paisley man's allegation that he was abused by a youth coach as a child.

Pete Haynes, 50, waived his right to anonymity to speak about sexual abuse he claims was carried out by Hugh Stevenson, who also worked as an assistant referee, during the late 1970s and early 80s.

He said he reported the allegations to police in 1993 and 1996 and also warned the SFA but was never told of any outcome.

In response, SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said his organisation takes full responsibility for child protection failings of the past.

Mr Regan added: "On behalf of the Scottish FA, I apologise unreservedly to Peter Haynes for what appears to have been a wholly unsatisfactory outcome to his original sharing of information.

"We will work with existing and former staff to obtain as much information as possible in this regard and have also offered to meet Mr Haynes at a time appropriate to him.

"We will also liaise with Police Scotland to establish a full picture relating to this historic case.

"Allegations of abominable behaviour such as this vindicates our commitment to child protection and wellbeing. Through technology, child protection policies and procedures and information sharing protocols with relevant authorities, we are now well-placed to deal with any complaints of sexual abuse."

Mr Stevenson, who died in 2004, coached hundreds of boys with youth teams in Glasgow and Renfrewshire.

Mr Haynes, who was a talented footballer as a child, said he was approached by Mr Stevenson in 1979 with the promise of a trial for a bigger club.

He added that Mr Stevenson, who also lived in Paisley at the time, offered to take him to that season's Scottish Cup Final.

Mr Haynes claims that was the start of "three, possibly four, years of intense abuse" at the hands of Mr Stevenson.

He said the abuse continued until about 1982, when he felt able to stand up to Mr Stevenson and put a stop to it.

But it would be another 11 years before he reported the matter to the police.

Mr Haynes said: “I contacted the police in Paisley. They went off and I’m fairly sure, in a very short space of time, Hugh Stevenson was arrested and charged.”

Mr Stevenson was on the official list of SFA referees between 1964 and 1983.

He was assistant referee in at least four international matches and was also listed as an official for Eastercraigs Boys Club, in Glasgow, for periods between the late 1970s and mid-80s.

It is understood that he was later involved with Paisley-based Ferguslie United.

Mr Haynes is hoping that speaking out will give strength to others who have been abused.

He said: "I would encourage them to come forward and give information, whether they do that anonymously or, like myself, come forward and speak out about it."