London Irish’s recent announcement of signing former Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson has been marred in controversy on social media.
The move comes just over a year after he was found not guilty of rape at a trial in Belfast.
The signing has triggered a mixed response from Exiles supporter, with some welcoming the addition of an international fly-half and others referencing the court case and the behaviour that Jackson was revealed to have displayed that led to his IRFU sacking.
SOCIAL REACTION:
I was looking forward to bringing my 2 y.o. daughter to a few games in the future. I will never even watch a game on tv again. What in God’s name is going on you thought this is an appropriate signing?
— Gary O'Reilly (@gary_o_reilly) May 7, 2019
SHAME SHAME SHAME
— Leesa Harker (@Leesaharker) May 7, 2019
This is why we roll our eyes when you claim its a 'gentlemen's sport'. Rugby is an old boys club for the privileged. Hope supporters abandon your club.
— Maureen Considine (@beanincork) May 7, 2019
Any clear vision of what #LondonIrish want to be part of, should have nothing in common with a 19 year old in a taxi bleeding and tearful after internal tearing. https://t.co/gJLWQRdLMI #Ibelieveher #misogyny #Rugby #PaddyJackson
— Marion Rose (@Us_Irish) May 7, 2019
Such a shame that the club have signed him pic.twitter.com/DpV84IDs7p
— hellomynameissiobhan (@SiobhanAbrahams) May 7, 2019
Boycott London Irish. #IBelieveHer https://t.co/LrRSwaCvsy
— Ciara McShane (@Ciara87C) May 7, 2019
this is a disgrace. as an Irish woman in London and supporter, I am beyond disappointed and disgusted by this appointment.
— The Morrigan (@sarkorama) May 7, 2019
as a club that prides itself on community and values…. what on earth are you thinking?
you have my support no longer.
Very disappointing
— John Whelan (@seanbanofaolain) May 7, 2019
A sickening decision from London Irish. #IBelieveHer and I always will – fuck Paddy Jackson https://t.co/tww9PQ2TMZ
— Katherine Nesbitt (@_kittybitty) May 7, 2019
Disgusted to hear Paddy Jackson has been signed by @London Irish rugby. Declan Kidney should be ashamed
— mariem (@areyousreious) May 7, 2019