Cliftonville FC has issued a statement over player Jay Donnelly.

The North Belfast man has been convicted of distributing an indecent image of a child after pleading guilty to the charge on Friday, November 23.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon the club asked supporters to 'bear with us as we seek a resolution'.

They said that Donnelly would not feature in Saturday's game against Dungannon Swifts.

On Thursday, various women's groups said that they would be protesting outside Cliftonville's ground.

The statement read: "As we are sure our supporters are aware, Cliftonville Football Club are dealing with a very sensitive and delicate matter in relation to Jay Donnelly.

"The Club Committee must always ensure that they act correctly when dealing with legal and employment matters and, as such, we have over the past few days been speaking to and availing of advice from all parties involved as well as support organisations.

"We have received legal advice not to comment on this matter further at this time. We assure all that this situation is extremely difficult to resolve and ask our supporters and indeed the media to please bear with us as we seek a resolution.

"Having spoken to all parties and Jay Donnelly, it has been decided Jay will not represent Cliftonville FC in tomorrow’s fixture with Dungannon Swifts."

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