Fulham Initiates Probe Following Allegations of Bullying and Abuse by Former Youth Player
Former Fulham youth player Max Noble has come forward with allegations of bullying, abuse, and threats during his time in the London club’s academy, prompting an investigation by the club.
In an interview with the i newspaper, Noble revealed that he experienced depression and even contemplated suicide as a result of the mistreatment he endured.
Among the reported incidents, Noble claimed he was coerced into signing with a specific agent under the threat of being dropped from the team and observed preferential treatment given to white players during training sessions.
Additionally, Noble stated that he was compelled to take painkillers to participate in practice sessions and alleged that the club refused to cover the cost of his knee surgery before his scholarship ended.
“I had to pay for my own surgery and rehab. I didn’t even receive a phone call from them to see how I was getting on. No psychological help. No aftercare at all,” he expressed.
In response to these allegations, Fulham issued a statement to British media condemning bullying, racism, and discrimination in all forms and pledged to thoroughly investigate the historical claims while collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, Noble revealed that following his disclosure of his experiences in a video, he was contacted by over 100 former academy players who reported similar mistreatment.
“The only thing I want to change is if you take a boy out of school you owe him aftercare,” he emphasized. “You can’t promise them the world, then ignore them when they’re depressed, or they’re going through what I had to go through.”
Noble criticized the academy system, asserting that it is failing based on the widespread mistreatment of players.
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