Jay Donnelly controversy: Glentoran ‘sold nine season tickets in an hour and refunded just one ‘

The statement came after club manager Mick McDermott took to the airwaves yesterday to speak up for the recently-signed player, amid a revolt from some supporters angered by his sex offence conviction.

A string of fans said they would not attend the club’s matches on Twitter, and some season ticket holders said they will demand a refund.

Ex-DUP adviser Tim Cairns was among those voicing a view, saying: “This is a PR disaster for Glentoran. The simple fact is fans didn’t want the signing and to have gone ahead with it is totally tone deaf on Mick’s part.”

A spokesman for the club said last night: “We’re aware that some supporters have suggested on social media that they want to return their season tickets.

“On the other hand, in the first hour of the club shop opening this evening we’d sold nine new season tickets and refunded one.

“We hope this reflects a willingness among our broader support to give the club breathing space to address all the social and behavioural issues raised over the past few days.”

WHAT DID DONNELLY DO?

When aged 20 in 2016, Donnelly (who then played for Cliftonville) took a picture of himself having sex with a 16-year-old whilst she was wearing his squad top.

He sent this to friends, and it went on to be distributed further afield – ultimately ending up on the internet, leading to her being mocked in the street.

Whilst the age of consent in Northern Ireland is 16, the PSNI explains that it is illegal “to take, permit to be taken, or to make any indecent photograph, or pseudo-photograph, of a child or young person under the age of 18”.

Donnelly, then living in Ardoyne (and represented in court by future North Belfast MP John Finucane) was described in court as having a borderline learning disability, with an IQ in the bottom 8% of the population.

He was jailed for three months.

MANAGER ASKS ‘SHOULD HE BE MADE TO SUFFER ALL HIS DAYS?’:

It had been rumoured for well over a week that his signing with Glentoran was imminent, and it was officially confirmed on Wednesday.

Despite the signing, he is expected to remain with Belfast Celtic (where he currently plays) until January.

On the Nolan Show, Mick McDermott said: “He’s in a stable relationship with a young child.

“He has suffered greatly – as did the victim of this. He has suffered emotionally for the last two to three years.

“I can guarantee that he’s shown real remorse... I’ve spent time with him, and I believe he’s shown he wants to get his life back.

“I mean, everyone is entitled to do that.

“Will he suffer a little bit more? Likely. Will he suffer the abuse we expect? Likely.

“Will it be justified? That’s not for me to decide.

“But I don’t think it’s justice that someone should suffer for the rest of their days for a crime they committed, with a punishment they have served.”

Mr McDermott added: “If he was a butcher or a baker, he’d be back to work by now – but because he’s a football player we should continue to punish him for the rest of his career?”

ONLINE OPINION FEARS FOR CLUB REPUTATION:

A wave of fans felt differently online.

@SoManyGiraffes said: “Will happily support every Glens player... except Jay Donnelly because I have morals, unlike the Glentoran at this time. Can’t see him lasting long after the reaction to his signing #DonnellyOut.”

@goalskirkwood wrote: “Glentoran shouldn’t have signed Jay Donnelly. The club ignored views of supporters & wider community who warned about the backlash of this deal.

“The club once again is under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. I feel for the girl who was victim having this raised publicly again.”

Some drew attention to the statement of remorse Donnelly issued via the club.

Donnelly’s prepared statement had said: “I have agreed with Mick to undertake counselling and guidance on appropriate behaviour while I am on loan to Belfast Celtic, and I guarantee everyone involved with the club that Glentoran will have no reason to doubt my good intentions and my determination to behave in a responsible and considerate manner.”

@stardustremedy wrote: “Some statement from Jay Donnelly considering his defence solicitor at the trial said he had the IQ of a young teenager... at least make the horses**t believeable.”

@rickyG95 offered a counterveiling view: “Twitter going into meltdown over Jay Donnelly signing for the Glens. The same people abusing him probably the ones sharing mental health posts – hypocrites.

“He made a mistake, done his time and paid the price and will continue to do so. Good luck to him, smashing player!”

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