We won’t shirk our responsibilities over Donnelly’s conviction, insist Cliftonville
CLIFTONVILLE FC has promised to take “strong action” after player Jay Donnelly was convicted of distributing an indecent image of a child.
The club said that it would not “shirk its responsibilities”, but added it had a duty of care to both the victim and the footballer.
The club said: “Cliftonville Football Club is acutely aware that a young woman has suffered because of Jay Donnelly’s actions.
“Jay Donnelly is also very emotionally distressed because of his actions and the club feels it has a duty of care to both young people, who are potentially very vulnerable at this moment in time.”
The north Belfast club, however, said it was mindful of “kneejerk reactions” and would take its time and discuss with various groups the best approach to take but had made it clear to the player it did not condone his actions.
“Please be assured that Cliftonville will take strong action to protect the good name of the club and our supporters, but we are also mindful not to take knee-jerk action that could impact negatively on any injured parties in a potentially vulnerable state of mind,” Cliftonville said.
There have been widespread calls for the club to act after the player’s guilty plea in court last week.
Donnelly (23) played in last Saturday’s match against Linfield — the day after his court hearing — but was not selected for Saturday’s home game against Dungannon Swifts.
He is due to be sentenced in January and the club said it wanted to address the wider community about the recent events.
The statement added: “The club welcomes dialogue with sincere and interested bodies who can offer guidance in handling a very sensitive matter in a firm but composed fashion.
“Theclubalsohopestoengage with relevant bodies to offer education programmes to all players at our club, at all levels, to warn of the dangers of misuse of social media.
“We acknowledge there are people both within and without our club calling for immediate action, an understandable reaction to an emotive issue.”