Why turn a blind eye to Best’s many sins?

FOLLOWING the acquittals of four young men, social media and the public discourse has been awash with commentary, both for and against the outcome.

Most seem agreed that our current legal system, particularly in sex-related cases, needs reformed. However, that should not in any way detract from the fact that four young men were found not guilty and, therefore, deserve — and have the right for — that verdict to be accepted and respected.

However, for some, the debate and, in my opinion, the desire for vengeance has moved on, insisting that the two high-profile individuals, being considered role models, must be held, either by society as a whole, or by their employers particularly, to a higher standard — particularly in relation to their communications and attitudes displayed.

Yet, what examples have we, as a society, set for our young people, particularly our young sportsmen and women? Who have been their role models?

Northern Ireland has had several sporting icons, none greater than George Best. We idolised him, turned him into a sporting icon. We named an airport after him and soon there will be George Best Hotel. Ultimately, we gave him the nearest thing to a state funeral we could.

But what was George Best off the pitch like? What example did this role model set? By his own admission, he bedded more than 1,000 women, and he drank himself through two livers and, ultimately, to death.

He was accused of domestic violence, had a conviction for violently assaulting a woman, was jailed for three months for assaulting a police officer and openly admitted to stealing money from strangers. And, yet, he is our hero.

There are no protests against George Best Belfast City Airport, the developers of the new hotel are not being castigated for promoting such an individual and no one — not even the hard feminist lobby — is calling for him to be removed from the public square.

My only question is, why, if George Best is our role model, should two young men, who have been proven innocent of all charges, be required to meet another standard; a standard which we, hypocritically, do not apply to others?

LOOKING FOR CONSISTENCY Name and address with Editor