GRAHAM RIX'S SHOCKING REVELATION IN EDINBURGH: FORMER ARSENAL STAR AND SEX OFFENDER WORKS WITH YOUNG PLAYERS

Graham Rix, once celebrated as a prominent football star with Arsenal, has publicly disclosed that he requires supervision when working with children, a condition stemming from his past criminal conviction. Rix was sentenced to a year in prison in 1999 after being found guilty of a sexual offence involving a 15-year-old girl. Following his conviction, he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for a decade, a legal requirement that continues to influence his professional activities.

Despite the serious nature of his past, Rix was appointed as a coach at Heart of Midlothian, commonly known as Hearts, a football club based in Edinburgh. During interviews, he clarified that he is permitted to work with players under 18 but must be accompanied by another adult at all times. Rix emphasized the importance of safeguarding laws, stating, "In this day and age no one can be in a room alone with an under-16. If you're talking about a contract with a youngster, for example, you'd need another adult in there. There are laws now."

Roman Romanov, the chairman of Hearts, explained that the club sought legal advice prior to Rix’s appointment. He highlighted that the decision was based on Rix’s extensive knowledge and experience in football, which the club deemed valuable. Rix himself expressed his motivation for applying for the coaching role, citing his passion for the sport. He also reflected on his past mistakes, saying, "I made a mistake and I paid for it but why should I be punished for the rest of my life?"

He further acknowledged that his criminal record has caused hardship for both himself and his family, noting that he has been living with the consequences of his actions for the past 30 years. The appointment of Rix to the coaching staff at Hearts has not gone unnoticed; it has sparked protests among fans who view him as a controversial figure due to his criminal history. The controversy continues to stir debate about redemption, forgiveness, and the safety of young players in the sport.