Kaylah Walton
The ex-captain of Fulham’s women’s team, Ronnie Gibbons, has alleged that she faced sexual assault by the late Mohamed Al Fayed during his ownership of the club.
In an interview with The Athletic, Gibbons recounted two incidents, one occurring in 2000 when she was 20, where Al Fayed attempted to kiss her forcibly and groped her at his Harrods department store.
In response, Fulham expressed profound concern over Gibbons’ revelations, offering her their empathy and support.
Recently, London police reported that around 40 women had come forward with claims of rape or sexual assault against Al Fayed, following earlier allegations by former Harrods staff. This adds to the previous 21 allegations reported to the police from 2005 to 2023. Al Fayed, who passed away last year at 94, faced no prosecution.
Fulham reiterated their strong disapproval of any form of abuse and mentioned ongoing efforts to ascertain if anyone affiliated with the club had been affected by Al Fayed as detailed in the new reports.
Al Fayed was the owner of Fulham from 1997 to 2013.
In her account, Gibbons indicated that she was lured to Al Fayed’s office under the pretense of discussing soccer with his children, who were not present when she arrived.
During her first visit, he made her sit on his lap, caressed her knee, and forcefully kissed her, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.
Recalling her experience, Gibbons said, “I just remember feeling sick, just really physically feeling sick, when I left there.”
On a subsequent visit, Al Fayed kissed and groped her, moving his hand from her face down to her waist.
Gibbons expressed that sharing her story is a step towards healing and aims to eliminate the shame and pain she’s felt for years. “If this can help one person open up and realise it’s not your fault and be free of the same burdens, then I’ll be happy,” she said, highlighting the hope for others facing similar experiences.
