Stephen Barry
Ulster Rugby sponsor Bank of Ireland is “very concerned” by the issues raised loud Belfast rape trial, which saw two players paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, acquitted of all charges.
The Bank, which celebrated 20 years sponsoring the province this season, has officially expressed its concern about “serious behavior and behavior problems” Shane Logan, CEO of Ulster Rugby.
Jackson, at the age of 26 and Olding, 25, was acquitted of raping the same woman in June 2016, by a jury that deliberated for three hours and 45 minutes after hearing all the evidence in the trial of marathon.
Two other men, blaine McIlroy, 26, and Rory Harrison, 25, was also unanimously acquitted of lesser charges related to the alleged incident.
Jackson and Olding are currently under internal IRFU/Ulster Rugby review following the conclusion of the court.
Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.
Messages made public during trial whatsapp group conversation, which also included Craig Gilroy, has led to his also placed under surveillance.
Banks expects the internal review to be “reliable, in order to fully resolve the issues and that decisions will be made and policies and protocols will be put in place that completely solve the problems that have arisen”.
Last week, the Gilroy apologized for his “completely inappropriate” comment, while Jackson also apologized for participating in the “humiliating and insulting” conversation.
After his acquittal, Olding also expressed deep regret about his involvement in the incident.
The Bank said it is “paramount that our sponsorship activity is in line with and supports our core values and reflects positively on the Bank of Ireland in the framework of the Association”.
Earlier this week, the Ulster Rugby supporters club called for “a speedy recovery to play responsibilities” Jackson, Olding and Gilroy.
What followed the public announcement from “fans” calling for Jackson and Olding, never to be allowed to represent Ireland or Ulster again.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
