- Jack Diamond was acquitted of rape and sexual assault after a trial last month
- The Sunderland winger has opened up about the case and the impact it has had on him
- Diamond was suspended in 2023 after being accused of assaulting a woman
A footballer accused of rape and sexual assault says it took the jury just seven minutes to acquit him – and has called for the suspects to be convicted to remain anonymous.
Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 24, was banned in 2023 after being accused of assaulting 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 indictment 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 naming us, I thought, “How can they do this?” The police must be there to protect us. I think: is someone coming to my house or trying to do something? I was standing in my driveway and I 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 of course they all knew.’
Footballer Jack Diamond says it took the jury just seven minutes to acquit him of rape and sexual assault charges – and called on the suspects to remain anonymous until sentencing
Diamond, who is signed to Sunderland, told Piers Morgan Uncensored about the case
Diamond, who has made 45 appearances 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 home in May 2022. Diamond insisted all along that all contact was consensual.
After a week-long trial, the jury quickly returned a not guilty verdict. “The feeling of relief lasted, I would say, about two minutes,” Diamond said.
“Because after thinking about all of this for seven minutes (of jury deliberation), for all of this to happen so quickly, how ridiculous.”
Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, Diamond added: ‘I’m obviously happy it’s over, but I still had to go through what I had to go through. It’s not a relief like everyone thinks.’
Gateshead-born Diamond, who came through Sunderland’s youth system, was loaned out to 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 made two appearances for the Cumbrians.
Despite the ruling, he says he was abused by Leyton Orient supporters in a recent match. “I came out injured and had to walk past the away fans,” he said. “I immediately heard the chants: ‘She said no, Diamond, she said no.’ But I kind of expected it.’
Diamond continued to maintain throughout the 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 believes that those accused of such crimes should not be named unless found guilty.
“I think both parties should be anonymous (until sentencing),” he said. ‘I probably wouldn’t be suspended either, because the club obviously has to protect itself from the PR side. I think the anonymity is there to protect.”
When asked how he felt toward his accuser, Diamond added, “I wouldn’t say it’s hate. I’m ashamed of 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.