- Jack Diamond was acquitted of rape and sexual assault after a trial last month
- The Sunderland winger opens up about the case and the impact it had on him
A footballer accused of rape and sexual assault says it took the jury just seven minutes to acquit him and asked that the accused remain anonymous until they are found guilty.
Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 24, was suspended in 2023 after being accused of attacking a woman he met on Tinder.
However, he was acquitted after a trial last month and has now spoken out about his 18-month ordeal.
After news of the charges made headlines and he was named, Diamond said he “didn’t leave the house for a week or two.”
He added: “When the police released the statement, they named us, I thought, ‘How can they do this?’ The police are supposed to be there to protect us. I’m thinking, is someone coming to my house or trying to do something?” I’d be in the driveway and just wouldn’t get out of the car if there was someone on the street. I wouldn’t want to talk to my neighbors because obviously everyone knew.’
Footballer Jack Diamond says it took a jury just seven minutes to acquit him of rape and sexual assault charges, and asked that the accused remain anonymous until conviction.
Diamond, hired by Sunderland, opened up about the case with Piers Morgan without censorship
Diamond, who played 45 times for the Black Cats, had a casual relationship with her accuser after they met in 2019. The allegations were made after she arrived at his home in May 2022. Diamond insisted throughout that all contact was consensual.
After a week-long trial, the jury was quick to return a not guilty verdict. “The feeling of relief lasted, I would say, about two minutes,” Diamond said.
“Because after thinking about all this for seven minutes (of jury deliberation), all this for it to happen this quickly, how ridiculous.”
Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, Diamond added: “Obviously I’m glad it’s over, but I still had to endure what I had to endure.” “It’s not a breath of relief like everyone thinks it will be.”
Gateshead-born Diamond, who came through Sunderland’s youth system, had loan spells at Harrogate and Lincoln, the latter cut short by his suspension.
He joined Carlisle until the end of the season following the conclusion of the case and played twice for the Cumbrians.
Despite the verdict, he says he was abused by Leyton Orient fans at a recent match. “I got hurt and had to walk past visiting fans,” he said. ‘I understood the chants immediately: “She said no, Diamond, she said no.” But she already expected it.’
Diamond insisted throughout the process that all contact with the accuser was consensual.
Diamond (left) joined Carlisle until the end of the season following the conclusion of the case.
He now believes those accused of such crimes should not be identified unless they are found guilty.
“I think both parties should remain anonymous (until sentencing),” he said. “I probably wouldn’t be suspended either because of course the club has to protect itself from a PR team. I think the anonymity is there to protect it.”
When asked how he felt toward his accuser, Diamond added: ‘I wouldn’t say it’s hate. I’m embarrassed for her.’
Watch the full interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, at 8pm on TalkTV, on Freeview 237, Sky 522 and Virgin Media 606. Also available on DAB, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV Plus, YouTube, talk.tv and TalkTV apps for iOS and Android.