A former Crewe Alexandra manager has been stripped of the MBE he received in 1998, following complaints from survivors of sexual abuse.

Dario Gradi, 82, who took charge of 1,359 games for Crewe, across four spells, was suspended from football in 2016.

This suspension came following a safeguarding assessment at the time, ruling he could pose a danger to children.

Dario Gradi, 82, who took charge of 1,359 games for Crewe, across four spells, was suspended from football in 2016 (Crewe Alex).

Paedophile Barry Bennell worked under Gradi at Crewe as a youth-team coach and a youth scout in the 1980s and early 90s.

Gradi, who has always denied any knowledge of Bennell's crimes, has been criticised for not recognising signs of sexual abuse and protecting the boys during this period.

On 19 March, 2021, Gradi issued an apology, saying: "I wish to express my deepest sympathy for the survivors and their families.

"I sincerely and personally regret that the harm being caused to these young people was not discovered at the time.

"I apologise for not recognising any signs of abuse at the time."

In 2021, The Offside Trust, a group set-up by Bennell's victims, wrote to the cabinet office requesting for Gradi's 25-year standing MBE to be stripped.

Dario Gradi, who has always denied any knowledge of Bary Bennell's crimes, has been criticised for not recognising signs of sexual abuse and protecting the boys (Wikimedia Commons).

On Monday 21 August, The Athletic reported a decision to remove Gradi's MBE had now been approved, with an official announcement to be made the following day.

Gradi has been informed in writing of the decision taken, due to "professional disbarment."

Bennell is serving a 36-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple sex offences against boys across the 1970's, 1980s and 1990s.

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