PLEA FOR PLAYERS ACCUSED OF RAPE

A FOOTBALLER accused of rape and sexual assault says a jury took just seven minutes to clear him — and has called for those accused to remain anonymous until conviction. Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 24, was suspended in 2023 after he was charged. But he was cleared following a trial last month and has now spoken about his ordeal. After news of his charges went public, Diamond ‘didn’t leave the house for a week or two’. He said: ‘When police released a statement they named us — I’m thinking, “How can they do this? Is someone going to come to my house or try to do something?”. I would be on my drive and would not get out of the car if there was anyone in the street.’ Diamond, who played 45 times for the Black Cats, had a casual relationship with his accuser after they met in 2019. The allegations were made after she visited his house in May 2022. Diamond insisted all contact was consensual. After a week-long trial, he was found not guilty. ‘The feeling of relief lasted, I would say, about two minutes,’ he told Piers Morgan Uncensored.

‘I am obviously glad it’s over, but I still had to endure what I’ve had to endure. It’s not a breath of relief.’ Diamond joined Carlisle until the end of the season on loan and has played twice for them. He says he was still abused by Leyton Orient fans though and feels those accused should not be named unless guilty.

‘I think both sides should be anonymous,’ he said. ‘I probably wouldn’t be suspended either. The anonymity thing is there to protect.’