SITTING on the train on Saturday, I couldn't help but listen to soccer fans all claiming to know the identities of the players who allegedly raped a 17- year-old girl.
If I wrote down the names of all the players quoted, then I estimate at least 25 players were in that room that night. Human nature dictates that we all gossip and rumour monger, but why do we then start a witch hunt?
A police investigation will, over a matter of time, determine who was involved and what charges are to be brought and the perpetrators will be hauled into court to have the truth debated by our judicial
system. Let's cast our mind back to other people who have been named and shamed - including John Leslie, the Hamiltons and Matthew Kelly - only to find out that they were innocent.
Speculation is one thing, naming and shaming another.
PR Willey,
Burnholme Drive, Heworth, York.
Updated: 10:29 Tuesday, October 07, 2003
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