Niall Mason contract cancelled

[DonnyOsmond]

BREAKING: Doncaster Rovers have cancelled the contract of Niall Mason following his conviction for sexual assault. Story to follow shortly #drfc

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers/breaking-niall-mason-sacked-by-doncaster-rovers-1-9657943/amp?__twitter_impression=true

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

No shock i guess. Footballing terms a definite loss.

[karldew]

Got a feeling they were waiting until after the reward night to announce this.

Such a shame he’s made the mistake to ruin his career with us. Great potential but another club may take the chance to sign him, who knows?

[steve@dcfd]

I expected this outcome, but like BFYP on football terms a loss.
He’s probably been talked to already  that why no appeal.
First signing in the Summer a good Right back.

[Donnywolf]

I said earlier it would be a difficult one for the Club to call but whichever way they decided I would (as an ordinary fan) support their decision - so I do ! End of as they say

[Bezza]

He will get snapped up that's for sure.

[steve@dcfd]

He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.

[Copps is Magic]

Got a feeling they were waiting until after the reward night to announce this.

Such a shame he’s made the mistake to ruin his career with us. Great potential but another club may take the chance to sign him, who knows?

It's in the article and on the club website why its been announced now. He withdrew his appeal against the tribunal.

[RedRover45]

Made a habit of changing his mind hasn't he ?

[keith79]

Off to Peterborough.

[Filo]

He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.

Not sure he can sign for anyone this season, my understanding is Free agents have to have been Free agents in the transfer window

[DaveDRFC]

Off to Peterborough.

Wouldn't surprise me if both him and Rowe are there next season, provided Fergie stays of course, which maybe isn't likely given the results they've had since he took the job.

[ChrisBx]

I agree with this decision. Time for us to move on now.

[steve@dcfd]

He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.

Not sure he can sign for anyone this season, my understanding is Free agents have to have been Free agents in the transfer window

43.2

Subject always to the provisions of Regulation 43.3, after the expiry of each Transfer Window (and/or in the Extended Period, if applicable) in each Season registrations of Players and transfers of registrations will, except as permitted in Regulation 55, be declined or will only be approved:

43.2.2

where the Player is an Out of Registration Player;

Therefore if his registration as been cancelled he can sign before Thursday.

[since-1969]

DRFC were left with little choice after Mason pleaded guilty to an offence that he protested his innocence. It’s a crying shame he was as and still will be available asset but not for us .

[roversdude]

Not sure the club were left with that much choice in the end having supported him when he was pleading his innocence. Big loss to us and I hope he can turn his life and career around

[Campsall rover]

I think the decision was inevitable.
As long as he knows he has done wrong big time, then i wish him well and hope he can get his life and career back on track.

[tommy toes]

I would think he'd be looking for a club abroad if he wants to continue his career.

[les@donr]

....Scotland perhaps?

[drfchound]

Niall is a very good player.
Plenty of others have been given a chance by other clubs after a criminal conviction.
He will get another contract in England.

[RoversAlias]

It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.

[graingrover]

Good luck lad I hope you sort your career and life out ,whatever your decision on the appeal .

[GazLaz]

He will get a new club straight away and go on to play at a higher level.

[andysly]

The only losers in this are the club.
NM will get a contract elsewhere & probably do well.
We lose a good footballer and a potentially decent transfer fee.
Though I understand the clubs position in that they had to make a stand.

[karldew]

Mason Statement;

https://twitter.com/niallmason_5/status/1107745305460699137?s=21

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

I may be wrong but I think the club may well be entitled to money if he goes elsewhere as they could claim breach of contract etc. I don't think it's as straightforward as it seems.

[DRNaith]

If he pleaded guilty, which he did, but claims to be innocent, which he does now, is that not contemp of court?

Just wondering

[Chris Black come back]

He changed his plea I think before he appeared.

[PDX_Rover]

So essentially Niall Mason is saying that he is innocent yet withdrew his appeal against his dismissal. Wouldn't be surprised if his agent already has him a club lined up, hence him withdrawing his appeal. Have to say, odd that he is protesting his innocence when he pleaded guilty didn't he? I'm guessing he's doing that to not put potential employers off.

Significant loss to the team but the club has done the right thing. Stupid boy.

[NickDRFC]

If he pleaded guilty, which he did, but claims to be innocent, which he does now, is that not contemp of court?

Just wondering

I’m no lawyer but from my experience of watching courtroom dramas (well, I’ve seen Liar Liar half a dozen times) I’m pretty sure contempt of court is more related to behaviour in the courtroom. Perjury is related to lying in court.