Bristol City FC signs convicted domestic abuse perpetrator

[ShamedRobins]

Bristol City Football Club has signed convicted domestic abuse perpetrator Danny Simpson.
This despite Women's Aid condemning the decision and ending their partnership with the club.
This despite their goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay being handed a 10 year sentence for rape less than two weeks ago.
I find this signing so utterly offensive and the club's smugness about it absolutely vile. It's all "He's served his sentence, so...", signing with impunity. There is no shortage of other talent who have not been convicted of throttling their girlfriends, so why Simpson? Club's SM full of welcomes and congratulations; really disturbing.
No wonder we are where we are with violence against women and girls when organisations like Bristol City FC blatantly don't give a damn, and are happy to showcase their defiance to their largely male fanbase.
A massive gut punch to female fans and to women everywhere.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/simpson-domestic-abuse-charity-bristol-5235321

Shocking to read, I am not a Bristol City supporter. This send out completely wrong message to community and the fans of that club.
Although not a top club they should ensure this does not happen.
I imagine over 50% of their young fans will be male, and see these guys as heroes.. and this is not the way to set an example.

Surely Bristol City fans should be voicing their utter disgust. Their money is paying this sex offender - I am sure they would not wish that.

I am just so stunned that this could be thought to be in any way appropriate given where we find ourselves at this point in time.
A few lone voices on the club's social media have questioned the signing, only to be told to "get off their high horses" or having concerns similarly dismissed, including blatantly minimising a particularly harrowing witness account by the arresting officer of Simpson's assault on his girlfriend.
Some women are even supporting the signing, citing "second chances" despite Simpson having been let off his 300 hour community service in favour of 21 days of 22:00-06:00 curfew.
I just despair!

If you would not be acceptable to be a TA or teacher or youth worker because of a criminal conviction, you should not be a professional footballer or any other sportsperson.

Footballers meet children as part of the outreach community work most if not all clubs do.

Good point, Cuthbert. I've worked with BCFC schools outreach in my professional role. I wonder what the other players, club employees and sponsors think of it. This comes hot on the heels of Under 23s goal keeper Sesay's 10 year sentence for rape less than two weeks ago so it's not as if the club has not had an opportunity to reflect on the issue of men's violence against women and girls right under their very noses, on their watch, in the very recent past.
It's the fact that fans, people I know, live close to and work with, are prepared to let this pass that I find so disappointing.

And yet large numbers of police officers retain their jobs despite convictions for sexual offences and domestic violence.

@Brahumbug

And yet large numbers of police officers retain their jobs despite convictions for sexual offences and domestic violence.

too true @Brahumbug.. sickening. Surely if they hold such positions they should be sacked for good, Accountants are banned from practicing if they commit fraud. Surely police officers should be sacked if committed sex offences or domestic abuse.

YES footballers are role models for kids, and clearly should not be employed in professional clubs if sex offenders.

when will society wake up.

Every one deserves a "second chance" if appropriate.

BUT rape, and sex offences? not so easy !

@Brahumbug two wrongs don't make a right.

@ShamedRobins

Good point, Cuthbert. I've worked with BCFC schools outreach in my professional role. I wonder what the other players, club employees and sponsors think of it. This comes hot on the heels of Under 23s goal keeper Sesay's 10 year sentence for rape less than two weeks ago so it's not as if the club has not had an opportunity to reflect on the issue of men's violence against women and girls right under their very noses, on their watch, in the very recent past. It's the fact that fans, people I know, live close to and work with, are prepared to let this pass that I find so disappointing.

Agreed

The club is part of the community, and wants to have backing of ALL, Bristol City must stand up against sex abuse, sex offences and rape.

At this point as we see protection of women being at it's worse the club MUST not ignore the obvious. The fans are clearly not impressed, and they are the soul of the club.

When Sheffield United considered signing Ched Evans (before his conviction was quashed), there were a number of high profile supporters who made their feelings known, and the same happened when Oldham considered signing him.

I'm not sure who any high profile Bristol City supporters there are who could make their views known. Or sponsors who could withdraw their backing.

@CuthbertDibbleandGrubb

When Sheffield United considered signing Ched Evans (before his conviction was quashed), there were a number of high profile supporters who made their feelings known, and the same happened when Oldham considered signing him.

I'm not sure who any high profile Bristol City supporters there are who could make their views known. Or sponsors who could withdraw their backing.

I sense Bristol City has not got the large profile that Sheff United had, BUT it is same issue, and should be dealt with. Sponsors should be making it an issue, and the fans should be speaking out more

Maybe during Covid there are no crowds, as a good crowd would be voicing their feelings from the stands. But all silenced. The away fans would be letting ALL know.
Birmingham City fans caused a great deal of hassle when playing Sheff U, and if they visted Bristol City I sense Bristol would soon be aware.