Grenfell: Ulster Rugby deal shows 'absolute disrespect'

Kingspan is a shirt sponsor for Ulster and holds naming rights to the province's Ravenhill stadium

Ulster Rugby has shown "absolute disrespect" by agreeing a one-year extension to its Kingspan on-shirt sponsorship, a Grenfell fire relatives' group has said.

The deal will see the company logo remain on Ulster's senior men's jersey, and some leisurewear, for next season.

The UK government has previously called for Ulster Rugby to reconsider its relationship with Kingspan.

Seventy-two people died in the fire in west London in 2017.

During an inquiry, Kingspan's business practices were criticised.

But the company said its products made up 5% of the insulation at Grenfell and was used without its recommendation.

Karim Mussilhy, from Grenfell United, told BBC News NI last year that Ulster Rugby players should remember the "pain and anguish" on the families when wearing shirts sponsored by Kingspan.

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His uncle was among those killed in the London tower block fire and has in the past urged the team to cuts its ties with the insulation firm.

Mr Mussilhy and other bereaved relatives have campaigned to get the team to end the sponsorship deal and remove Kingspan's branding from its stadium and its shirts.

He said on Wednesday that the latest announcement "shows an absolute disrespect for all those affected by the Grenfell tragedy".

"We have met with [Ulster Rugby chief executive] Jonny Petrie and his team multiple times during their previous sponsorship deal," he added.

Earlier this year grafitti was daubed on Ulster Rugby's Kingspan Stadium overnight

"We urged him and the board to cut all ties with Kingspan, including sharing with them a large file of evidence from the public inquiry about Kingspan's contribution to our families deaths which speaks for itself.

"This same evidence was enough for Mercedes to cut ties with Kingspan for their Formula One team in 2021.

"Instead, Ulster Rugby have decided to disregard these facts, and not just cut previous ties, but to extend their deal."

Golfer Shane Lowry criticised

Mr Mussilhy urged all supporters of the club to stand with the relatives and "demand the board reverse this decision".

He added that it was time that "all teams across the sporting world start thinking about ethical sponsorship and not just money".

Ulster Rugby told BBC News NI it did not wish to comment on the continuing sponsorship deal.

Golfer Shane Lowry has also been criticised by campaigners for his sponsorship deal with Kingspan.

Ed Daffarn, who is also with campaign group Grenfell United, told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that he loved golf but that it was "so difficult" to see Lowry with Kingspan written on his shirt.

He added that the relatives group has tried contacting Mr Lowry about their concerns, but did not get any reply.

BBC News NI has contacted Mr Lowry's management team for comment.

'End all association'

Conchúr Mac Adaim, of Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) in Belfast, said Ulster Rugby supporters do not welcome the sponsorship extension.

"It appears to us that Ulster Rugby's management cares more about the financial relationship with Kingspan than it does the opinions of supporters who are opposed to the continued presence of Kingspan in our local rugby club," he said.

"It is not too late to do the right thing and end all association with Kingspan."

Kingspan holds naming rights to Ulster Rugby's stadium in a contract until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Earlier this year grafitti was daubed on Ulster Rugby's Kingspan Stadium.