Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Peter Fox trial: Ex-Stoke City goalkeeper 'boasted' about using Deep Heat on young footballers' 'sensitive places'

Former apprentice claims he was abused with a goalkeeping glove by Mr Fox

Simon Rice
Thursday 16 July 2015 13:25 EDT
Former Stoke City keeper Peter Fox pictured in 1990
Former Stoke City keeper Peter Fox pictured in 1990 (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Stoke City goalkeeper Peter Fox boasted about using Deep Heat on the "sensitive places" of young footballers as a punishment, a court has heard.

John Washington told Preston County Court he recalled Fox bragging about the practice, which he allegedly claims was used on players who got "too big for their boots", during a radio interview sometime between 1986 and 1988.

The claim comes amid civil legal action from ex-Stoke City apprentice George Blackstock, who claims he was held down and abused with a goalkeeping glove during his time with the Potters.

Mr Washington told the court that he came forward "out of duty" after becoming aware of the claims of Mr Blackstock in the local and national press.

He told the court that he could not remember certain details about the interview, but that the mention of Deep Heat - which is used to relieve muscular pain - had left him shocked.

He said: "I can remember Peter saying what he did - 'if any young lad at Stoke gets too big for their boots we put Deep Heat in a sensitive place'.

"I'm sure about the Deep Heat."

Blackstock is claiming damages against Mr Fox and has started legal action against Stoke City.

Stoke City and Mr Fox deny Mr Blackstock's claims.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in