Ulster Rugby have been forced to apologise after a photograph showing two of their Irish international players with their bodies and faces covered with black make-up appeared on social media site twitter.
The photograph apparently shows Jackson along with team mate Chris Henry and others posing as members of the Ethiopian Olympic team was posted on Jackson’s twitter profile. The picture is also believed to have shown Paddy Jackson with what appeared to be a chain around his neck and hands.
Ulster Rugby have since released a statement in which they have apologised unreservedly for any offence caused.
They also said that the photograph showed the players at an Olympic-themed fancy dress party two years ago, It was not the players’ intention to cause any upset and the photograph had been removed.
The African and Caribean Support Organisation in Northern Ireland described the photo as deeply offensive. Joseph Ricketts from ACSONI said he was shocked an appalled by the irresponsible behaviour.