Best, like any private citizen, is free to attend court and provide a character reference if he so wishes.
The issue is, though, he isn’t just a private citizen. He’s the Ulster and Ireland rugby captain. At its very best it’s the appalling timing and crass insensitivity shown. He rocks up a day after the court had heard evidence that the complainant was initially reluctant to come forward as she feared she’d have to face the might of Ulster rugby. Then as she is on the stand, facing a dreadful ordeal irrespective of the verdict, the most powerful member of Ulster rugby appears in support of two of the accused. It absolutely stinks. Time and a place. Not three days before an international match.
Only the people who were in the room that night know what went on. If they didn’t do it - and I hope to God for the sake of this lady they didn’t - I hope they are found not guilty.
Guilty or not their behaviour that night was vile and to have an influential figure like Best show up in what could be construed as an intimidatory act is just atrocious.