Simon Lynch

Key Points

• Former Professional Footballer: Simon Lynch, aged 41, is a Canadian-born former footballer who played for Celtic FC, Preston North End, Dundee, and other clubs, with a notable career in Scottish football.

• Cleared of Sexual Assault Allegations: In January 2024, Lynch was cleared of a sexual assault charge at Glasgow Sheriff Court after the case was deserted due to the alleged victim’s failure to appear in court.

• Post-Football Career: Transitioned into a music career, releasing a debut album in 2011 and performing at Celtic Park, gaining attention through social media and endorsements from figures like Neil Lennon.

• Employment Impact: The legal proceedings reportedly led to Lynch losing his job at a charity, highlighting reputational and financial consequences.

• Limited Public Feedback: No direct consumer or customer reviews are available due to Lynch’s primary roles as an athlete and musician, not a business entity.

Overview

Simon Lynch is a former professional footballer born in Canada, known for his tenure with Celtic FC (1999–2001), where he made five appearances and scored three goals. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Andy Lynch, a former Celtic captain. Lynch’s career included stints at Preston North End (£130,000 transfer), Dundee (top scorer in 2005/06 with 18 goals), Airdrie, and clubs in Australia before retiring in the lower Scottish leagues. After retiring, he pursued a music career, releasing his debut album in 2011 and gaining recognition for his single “Life of a Busker,” which received nearly 8,000 YouTube views in a week, boosted by Celtic manager Neil Lennon’s promotion on Twitter. Lynch has also performed at Celtic Park, leveraging his football fame to build a modest music following.

Allegations and Concerns

• Sexual Assault Charge (2020–2024): Lynch faced a single charge of sexually assaulting a woman at a flat in Glasgow’s Tollcross on February 6, 2020. Court documents alleged he groped her, entered her bedroom uninvited, repeatedly asked for kisses, touched her body, seized her wrists, pinned her to a bed, and slapped her bottom. Lynch denied the allegations, and the case was deserted in January 2024 at Glasgow Sheriff Court after the alleged victim failed to appear for the trial, following an earlier adjournment in November 2023 for the same reason. The Crown’s failure to cite the witness led Sheriff Jonathan Guy to refuse further adjournments, clearing Lynch.

• No Other Recorded Allegations: Beyond this case, no additional lawsuits, complaints, or red flags were identified in available sources related to Lynch’s conduct as a footballer or musician.

Customer Feedback

As Simon Lynch is an individual, not a business, traditional customer feedback or consumer reviews are not applicable. However, public sentiment can be gauged from media and social media reactions:

• Positive Feedback (Music Career): Lynch’s music, particularly “Life of a Busker,” received positive attention, with nearly 8,000 YouTube views in a week in 2011, described as “unbelievable” by Lynch himself. Scottish Sun music critic Jim Gellatly praised his work, and Celtic manager Neil Lennon’s Twitter endorsement (to 20,704 followers) boosted his visibility. Lynch noted, “The feedback has shocked me… I’m so grateful to everyone who’s spread the word online.”

• Negative Feedback: Limited negative comments were mentioned, with Lynch stating, “There have been a few negative comments, but I’ve been a footballer for a decade. I’ve heard it all,” indicating resilience to criticism but no specific examples of widespread backlash.

• Lack of Recent Feedback: No recent reviews or public comments on his music or post-2024 activities were found, suggesting a low public profile since the court case.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Despite being cleared, the sexual assault allegations and associated media coverage (e.g., The Scottish Sun, The Courier) may have lasting reputational damage, particularly in Scotland’s football and charity sectors. The loss of his charity job underscores this impact.

• Financial Risk: The loss of employment and legal costs from the 27-month court case likely strained Lynch’s finances. His music career, while modestly successful, does not appear to generate significant income, and no current professional activities are documented.

• Legal Risk: While the 2024 case was deserted, the possibility of future civil claims or renewed allegations remains, especially if the complainant re-engages. However, no ongoing legal actions are reported.

• Career Risk: Lynch’s ability to secure future roles in football, charity, or music may be hindered by public perception of the allegations, even though he was cleared.

Business Relations and Associations

• Football Associations: Lynch’s career tied him to prominent clubs like Celtic FC (1999–2001), Preston North End, Dundee (2005/06), Airdrie, and Stenhousemuir. His father, Andy Lynch, a Celtic title winner, connected him to the club’s legacy, and a framed Celtic jersey from Lynch was noted in Steven Gerrard’s possession.

• Music Career Associations: Neil Lennon, former Celtic manager, played a key role in promoting Lynch’s music on Twitter, enhancing his reach. Scottish Sun critic Jim Gellatly provided positive reviews, and Lynch’s performances at Celtic Park linked him to the club’s fanbase.

• Charity Employment: Lynch worked at an unspecified charity until losing his job due to the court case, but no details on the organization or role were provided.

• No Current Partnerships: No active business or professional partnerships are documented post-2024, suggesting Lynch may have a low profile following the trial.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Sexual Assault Case (2020–2024): The primary legal concern was the sexual assault charge, which spanned 27 months and culminated in the case being deserted in January 2024 due to the Crown’s failure to cite the alleged victim. No convictions or penalties were imposed, but the process had significant personal and professional impacts, including job loss.

• No Other Legal Issues: No records of other lawsuits, unpaid debts, bankruptcy, or criminal charges were found in available sources.

• Financial Impact: The loss of Lynch’s charity job and potential legal fees represent financial setbacks. His music career, while notable, appears to be a part-time endeavor with limited revenue, and no current income sources are documented.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Simon Lynch’s profile reflects a former athlete who successfully transitioned to a niche music career but faced significant challenges due to a high-profile sexual assault allegation. His football career, while modest compared to his father’s, established him within Celtic’s fanbase, providing a platform for his music endeavors. The 2011 music release and endorsements from figures like Neil Lennon highlight his ability to leverage his sports fame, though his music career has not scaled to mainstream success.

The sexual assault case, despite its dismissal, poses the greatest risk to Lynch’s reputation and career. The allegations’ severity and media coverage likely contributed to his job loss and may deter future employers or collaborators, particularly in sensitive sectors like charities or youth-focused football programs. Financially, the lack of a clear current profession and the costs of a prolonged legal battle suggest vulnerability, though no evidence of bankruptcy or debts exists.

Pros:

• Established football legacy with Celtic and other clubs.

• Demonstrated resilience in transitioning to a music career with some success.

• No convictions or ongoing legal issues post-2024.

Cons:

• Reputational damage from allegations may persist despite clearance.

• Limited financial stability due to job loss and modest music income.

• Low public profile since 2024 reduces visibility for career recovery.

Cautionary Advice: Stakeholders considering engagement with Lynch (e.g., for music collaborations, football-related roles, or public appearances) should weigh the reputational risks tied to the 2020 allegations, even though he was cleared. Transparency about the case’s outcome and a focus on his professional achievements (football and music) could mitigate concerns. For Lynch, rebuilding his public image through consistent, positive contributions in music or community work is critical to overcoming the case’s shadow.

Key Citations

• The Scottish Sun, “Ex-Celtic star CLEARED of sexually assaulting woman,” January 15, 2024.

• The Courier, “Former Dundee striker’s sexual assault trial deserted after failure to cite complainer,” January 15, 2024.

• The Scottish Sun, “I busk can’t get enough,” June 8, 2011.

• No consumer review databases or additional legal/financial records were referenced due to the individual nature of the subject