A GLASGOW MSP has called for an ‘open and transparent’ inquiry by Celtic into the historical child sexual abuse scandal at its Boys Club after it emerged the club has been carrying out ‘secret’ investigations for the past two years.

Responding to a letter sent to him by chief executive Peter Lawwell, which confirmed the club has been conducting its own inquiry, Adam Tomkins said he “saw no reason” why the club had not disclosed earlier it was carrying out its own inquiry.

Mr Tomkins and fellow MSP James Dornan questioned the club’s approach to the abuse scandal after former Boys Club coach James McCafferty was jailed for more than six years following a string of convictions last year.

The Evening Times and our sister title The Herald revealed on Saturday Celtic FC had hired its own

independent lawyer to look into the abuse.

Read more: Criticism of Celtic 'unfair and misguided' says Chief Executive

Mr Lawwell wrote to both MSPs, saying their criticism of the club was “unfair and misguided” and said any suggestion Celtic chiefs had taken no action was “simply not true”.

Responding to the letter on Twitter, Mr Tomkins reiterated his calls for a compensation package for victims

and said: “I know of no reason why legal investigation into what Celtic FC knew about the abuse at the Boys Club (and when they knew it) needs to be in secret.

“Having an unnamed lawyer secretly investigating a matter does nothing to help, guide or support the victims and their families.

Read more: Celtic to break silence over historic Boys' Club sex abuse cases

“It is their rights and interests that no one should overlook in this matter.

“Respecting the confidentiality of victims is one thing; keeping under wraps even the fact that something is being investigated is another thing altogether.”

No one was available from Celtic's press office for comment.