Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
6,640 SIGN PETITION TO REINSTATE RUGBY STARS
Fans back Jackson and Olding after they are cleared of rape
AN online petition calling for the reinstatement of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding to the Ulster Rugby squad is on course to reach its target of 7,500 signatures.
The Ireland teammates were unanimously acquitted last month of raping the same woman at a party in Jackson’s South Belfast home in June 2016.
However, they have been relieved of all duties while an IRFU and Ulster Rugby review takes place.
By yesterday afternoon, the petition on the Change.org website had received 6,640 signatures.
It states: “Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were found not guilty of rape and therefore should be reinstated to the Ulster Rugby squad as soon as possible as they have already been forced through a very public trial and been suspended from playing throughout this trial.
“This is punishment enough and Ulster Rugby should be showing support to their players who were found not guilty.
WARNING
“If Ulster Rugby need to enforce to these players how behaviour in their private lives may affect their career as rugby players then this should be stated clearly to the players as a warning not to repeat such behaviour again as it will carry consequences for themselves and others.
“However, these players have not broken any sporting rules and therefore need to be back playing.”
In a statement after the Belfast Crown Court trial, Jackson, 26, said sorry for betraying his family values.
He added: “I am ashamed a young woman who was a visitor to my home left in a distressed state. I will always regret the events of that evening.”
The fly-half, capped by Ireland 25 times, also apologised unreservedly for engaging in “degrading and offensive” Whatsapp conversations.
Both he and 25-year-old Olding have expressed a desire to return to rugby action.