Irish rugby player Paddy Jackson speaks to the media after being found not guilty of rape in March 2018. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images

London Irish deal is cancelled by Diageo over Paddy Jackson signing

A sponsorship deal between Guinness and a leading rugby union club has been cancelled after it signed a player who was accused and acquitted of rape. The decision to cancel the deal was announced on Thursday evening after Diageo had publicly criticized the signing of Paddy Jackson by London Irish.

A spokeswoman from Guinness said that they have met the club to express their concerns and the club’s decision doesn’t consistent on Guinness’s values so both have ended their sponsorship.

Jackson had been playing for the French club after his deals with the Irish rugby football unions were terminated, and was given a contract by the English club in May for a return to premiership. In March last year, Jackson and his former teammate Stuart Olding along with their two friends were found not guilty of a series of sexual offences in Belfast in 2016. The issue then led to public debates over misogyny in the sport and whether or not they should be able to resume their careers.

A London Irish spokesman said that the club’s management was disappointed by Diego’s decision not to renew its sponsorship deal. However, London Irish will be moving on without Diageo after nearly 30-year association with the club.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/13/diageo-cancels-london-irish-deal-over-paddy-jackson-signing