Northern Ireland

Cliftonville will not take 'knee-jerk action' following striker's conviction

Cliftonville Football Club has said it will not take "knee-jerk action" after the conviction of striker Jay Donnelly for distributing an indecent image of a child.
Cliftonville Football Club has said it will not take "knee-jerk action" after the conviction of striker Jay Donnelly for distributing an indecent image of a child. Cliftonville Football Club has said it will not take "knee-jerk action" after the conviction of striker Jay Donnelly for distributing an indecent image of a child.

CLIFTONVILLE Football Club has said it will not take "knee-jerk action" after the conviction of striker Jay Donnelly for distributing an indecent image of a child.

The 23-year-old was stood down from his team's Irish League fixture against Dungannon Swifts on Saturday and following the game, which the reds won 5-1, Cliftonville said the matter will be dealt with in a "measured fashion".

"The club does not condone such behaviour, has made that clear to Jay Donnelly and the player himself accepts he must atone," a statement read.

"Cliftonville Football Club is acutely aware that a young woman has suffered because of Jay Donnelly’s actions. The club feels it has a duty of care to everyone associated at this moment in time."

The north Belfast club has said it will take "strong action" to "protect the good name" of the club and its supporters, but will not take "knee-jerk action that could impact negatively on any injured parties".

In the wake of the conviction it also hopes to engage with the relevant bodies to provide education programmes to all players at the club, at all levels.

"Cliftonville Football Club will not shirk its responsibilities to both our members and the wider community, but we again appeal for this matter to be handled in a measured fashion.

"The courts will deliberate before delivering justice, as will Cliftonville Football Club," the statement added.

Cliftonville club sponsor, fonaCAB has said it is reviewing its support for the club in light of the conviction.

Speaking to the Sunday Life, fonaCAB owner, William McCausland said: "It's something we haven't discussed, but it's something we will be having to look at this week.

Jay Donnelly, from Ardilea Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, is due to be sentenced at Belfast City Magistrates Court in January.

He was convicted last week after pleading guilty to a charge which relates to a date unknown between June and October 2016.