Former Liverpool midfielder Kevin MacDonald has left Aston Villa following an investigation into allegations of bullying.
The Scot, who made 64 appearances and was a member of Kenny Dalglish's 1985/86 double-winning Liverpool side during a five-year stint at Anfield, was removed from his role as head of football development and reassigned to non-player-facing duties after ex-Everton midfielder Gareth Farrelly accused him of being "relentlessly negative" to him as a youth coach in the nineties.
Farrelly, whose goal against Coventry City in 1998 kept the Toffees in the Premier League, spoke to the Guardian last December to accuse his former youth coach of "incredibly aggressive, constant verbal and physical bullying," and said it "took me to a place at 20 that nobody should have to go to. And I wouldn’t wish it on anybody."
The Republic of Ireland international, who is now a solicitor, added: "I say, and I maintain this position, that his regime destroyed far more kids than he ever developed … If people had been treated better, fairly, you can’t say they would definitely have made it but they would have had an opportunity to develop and kick on more."
And following an internal investigation, Aston Villa have confirmed MacDonald's departure with immediate effect.
"Aston Villa wishes to apologise to all former players who were affected by behaviour which would not be tolerated by the club today," the Premier League club said in a statement on their website .
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"The investigation (against MacDonald), carried out by barrister Jack Mitchell, has now concluded and the results delivered to the Board.
"As the report forms part of an employee disciplinary process, the club is unable to provide details in public although copies of Mr Mitchell’s investigation have been provided to The FA, Premier League and statutory authorities.
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"Mr Mitchell appealed for individuals to come forward to give evidence and we are especially grateful to those former players who assisted him in his investigation.
"Our approach to safeguarding is now unrecognisable from the past and has been described as excellent in recent EFL and Ofsted audits."
MacDonald had served as Aston Villa caretaker manager on three separate occasions, including last season following Steve Bruce's sacking, while he was also the West Midlands club's assistant manager under Tim Sherwood and previously been in charge of the Villans' reserve/Under-23s team.
