A footballer accused of rape and sexual assault says a jury took just seven minutes to clear him – and has called for those accused to remain anonymous until conviction.

Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 24, was suspended in 2023 after he was charged with attacking a woman he met on Tinder. 

However, he was cleared following a trial last month and has now spoken about his 18-month ordeal.

He added: ‘When the police released the statement they named us – I’m thinking “How can they do this?” The police are supposed to be there to protect us. I’m thinking is someone going to come to my house or try to do something? I would be on my driveway and I would just not get out of the car if there was anyone in the street. I wouldn’t want to speak to my neighbours because obviously they all knew.’

Footballer Jack Diamond says a jury took just seven minutes to clear him of charges of rape and sexual assault – and called for those accused to remain anonymous until conviction

Diamond, contracted to Sunderland, opened up on the case to Piers Morgan Uncensored

Diamond, who has played 45 times for the Black Cats, had a casual relationship with his accuser after they first met in 2019. The allegations were made after she came to his house in May 2022. Diamond insisted throughout that all contact was consensual. 

Following a week-long trial, the jury were quick to deliver a not-guilty verdict. ‘The feeling of relief lasted, I would say, about two minutes,’ Diamond said. 

‘Because then after I just think all of this for seven minutes [of jury deliberation], all of this for this to be this quick, how ridiculous.’

Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, Diamond added: ‘I am obviously glad that it’s over but I still had to endure what I’ve 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, with the latter cut short by his suspension. 

He joined Carlisle until the end of the season following the conclusion of the case and has played twice for the Cumbrians. 

Despite the verdict he says he was abused by Leyton Orient supporters in a recent match. ‘I came off injured and I had to walk past the away fans,’ he said. ‘I got the chants straight away – “She said no Diamond, she said no”. But I was kind of expecting it.’

Diamond insisted throughout proceedings 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 feels those accused of such offences should not be named unless they are found guilty. 

‘I think both sides should be anonymous [until the point of conviction],’ he said. ‘I probably wouldn’t be suspended either because of course the club has got to protect themselves from a PR side. I think the anonymity thing is there to protect.’

When asked how he felt towards his accuser, Diamond added: ‘I wouldn’t say it’s hatred. I am embarrassed for her.’

Watch the full interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, 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 iOS and Android apps.