Footballer in apology for ‘stupid’ tweet after verdict

A LEAGUE of Ireland footballer has apologised for a “stupid and immature” tweet following the Belfast rape trial and pledged any of his earnings this season to a Louth rape crisis centre.

The social media comment posted by Drogheda United player Luke Rossiter referred to the complainant in the high-profile rape trial in a derogatory way.

Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were both acquitted of all charges last week.

Rossiter posted the tweet a short while after the verdict last Wednesday.

In a statement released on his club’s website yesterday, Rossiter (19) said he was “deeply sorry” for the comment and that he had “some growing up to do in relation to how I conduct myself off the pitch as well as on it”.

“The truth is I don’t really know why I did it as I have no reasoning behind it.

“It was a stupid and immature thing to do,” he said.

“If the club and fans can forgive me I would like to start that growing by donating any money that I receive from Drogheda United for the remainder of the season to the Rape Crisis North East, based in Dundalk, which has an outreach programme in Drogheda.

“I would also like to offer my time to promote awareness of such sensitive issues and I am also keen to learn how such issues can impact and affect people’s lives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Laois County Board has said that forward Gary Walsh will be back available for selection after he was dropped from the panel, following a separate tweet about the complainant in the same case.