Drogheda United footballer Luke Rossiter has apologised for a tweet he sent in the aftermath of the Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding trial.
The teenager published the tweet after all four men in the case were found not guilty last week. He soon deleted the tweet but screenshots were circulated online and the club promised to investigate the issue.
Drogheda United Football Club is horrified by comments attributed to one of its players on social media this afternoon.
The club finds comments such as these disgusting and have no place in football or society.— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) March 28, 2018
The matter will be investigated and dealt with internally by the club while the rest of the squad, at all age levels, will be reminded of their responsibilities.
Opinions expressed on personal social media accounts are in no way representative of the club.— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) March 28, 2018
In a statement released via the club today, Rossiter announced his intention to donate his wages to the Rape Crisis North East in Dundalk.
May I start by saying how deeply sorry I am for the comment I made on social media. The truth is I don’t really know why I did it as I have no reasoning behind it. It was a stupid and immature thing to do.
And in doing so, I have hurt and let my family, club, manager, team-mates and the Drogheda fans down and I’m sure many more.
I have only been at Drogheda United a short time and for them and Tim Clancy to take a chance on me I can only say I am truly sorry.
It is clear I still have some growing up to do in relation to how I conduct myself off the pitch as well as on it.
If the club and fans can forgive me I would like to start that growing by donating any money that I receive from Drogheda United for the remainder of the season to the Rape Crisis North East based in Dundalk which has an outreach programme in Drogheda.
I would also like to offer my time to promote awareness of such sensitive issues and I am also keen to learn how such issues can impact and affect people’s lives.
Once again I’m sorry for any hurt I have caused.
Rossiter has been told he will not be considered for selection until such time that the investigation is completed and reviewed.
