Ulster Rugby trial -continued

I think they're about to cover this on Radio 4 just now (PM).

HRHPrincessMegan That crowdfunding was for the one specific advert and the donations stopped just after the target was reached. I imagine there would be support for a continued campaign.

The only way back into the sport for either PJ & SO is if this outrage fades and media coverage falls away. What club or country could possibly want them now? Magnificent work getting the ads out, hopefully there are sufficient funds for follow ups.

tootl - the #suemepaddy has, presumably, shocked him with its scale and the very evident and widespread scorn and contempt there is for him on social media. The day after his lawyers threatened to sue anyone retweeting #IBelieveHer, #suemepaddy was one of the top-trending hashtags in Ireland and Northern Ireland. This, supported by the protests and the knowledge that this advert was coming out, will have made him realise that his initial arrogance and threats of litigation badly misjudged the mood of the country in response to the verdict. Coupled with the fact that his future as an Ulster and Ireland player is currently being reviewed, I expect he is now desperately trying to regain some semblance of credibility.

Thank you

Link to ad

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/advert-published-calling-on-ireland-and-ulster-to-ditch-paddy-jackson-and-stuart-olding-36779249.html

Does anyone have a photo of the Telegraph ad?

yyy to all this stuff about rugby culture.

not quite the same but when I was at oxbridge around 20 years ago, there were two rape allegations against rowers in the college first eight during the course of my three-year degree. I have it on good authority that one of the allegations was definitely true and I presume the other was too. Definitely something pretty deep seated going on there - they were all hyper-macho alpha male wankers.

bumblefuddy I am trying to catch up on this why would the suemepaddy thing scare the accused in this case?

Rugby culture is interesting. NZ has had an inquiry to the rubbish treatment of women.

I have speaking to my DH about this case

He is from NZ and went to a prominent rugby school

He was saying that the parents organised social activities at houses so Saturday night after school rugby was always held at a parents house and they would rotate - they would have alcohol but in a safe environment.

He now thinks the parents did this so they could control the young rugby players, ensure a safe environment. He thinks they took it really seriously.

People in the first 15 were very very big headed and he was friends with some of them.

He honestly believes this was a way for sensible parents to stop anyone getting too drunk or going into clubs and so on.

Women were welcome.

Going to clubs afterwards was actively discouraged apparently by the parents and the school.

Right! While I was happy about CG issuing a prompt apology and attempt to do better, I’m ANGRY at PJ statement. What an arrogant horrible little weasel. How DARE he think the time for an apology has not expired.

How do we get #IDontBelieveHim trending??

Oh, will you all just look at what else happened today in relation to the case?

What a coincidence that both statement and advert should come out on the same day. Remarkable, really.

When my kids have been squabbling, I've had to separate them and they both claim that the other started it / it wasn't their fault, eventualy they apologise to each other in terms as begrudging and forced as those used in this statement

As pp say, it stinks of "what do you need him to do so that you can bring him back onto the team?"

It's at least a week too late for anyone to believe that this is anything less than a cynical self serving attempt to save his own career.

The tone of the initial statement after the verdict told you all you need to know.

Definite career saving move - I don't believe him.

His statement is here

I read it, and it makes me want to throw up. It just seems like the words of a man who is finally waking up to the fact that his career may be in jeopardy unless he does some serious PR work. Where were his feelings for the distressed woman the day after the incident? Where were his values and principles the night of the incident, or when sending those messages?

All it says to me - in my opinion - is: I’m sorry I got forced to expose to the world what I am. I’m sorry my career may be in danger.

Not: I’m sorry I’m a misogynist. Not: I’m sorry that I made you bleed and cry and even you taking me to court didn’t really make me think that that was a problem.

Yes, just saw Jackson's statement on the Irish Times. Massive back peddling following the public backlash. Will be interesting to see if he drops the action against O'Riordan.

Paddy Jackson has issued a statement through the Press Association - I just heard it on RTE radio news.
I would just be so sad ( and so angry) if my sons sent those awful, misogynistic texts to their friends.
Those men have mothers, sisters, aunts and grannies.
Why does macho culture trump basic human empathy ?

kik

Then they were at cross purposes because matthew wright was talking about the ulster case

Its such a shame that it happens so often that people get this confused over the cases