Facebook page supports rape accused

More than 700 people have joined a Facebook page supporting two Australian footballers who were charged with raping a girl last month.

The page, set up just days ago, has been joined by people claiming to be relatives and friends of footballers Reuben Mineo, 18, and Trent Cantwell, 18, who have been charged with rape and false imprisonment.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named, has also been charged.

It is alleged that a gang rape, involving up to eight teens, took place on October 10.

The Facebook page includes a discussion group under the heading ''Innocent until proven guilty'', with more than 35 people leaving posts and debating the issue.

Many participants blamed the media for sensationalising the incident, and said derogatory things about the girl involved.

One boy, claiming to be Mineo's brother, defended him. ''Whoever made this group is a legend, thankyou everyone for ur support, the truth will come out soon enough''.

Another girl said she felt for the boys. ''Oh I feel for them . . people can be so judgmental. So not fair. Makes me sick too. I only hope that when it is all over, the boys can move on.''

Another poster was outraged. ''Honestly cannot believe society would jump to defend a rapist and blame the victim. What is this, the 16th century? I bet you're the first to get outraged when Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali calls women 'meat'.''

The person who alerted The Age to the Facebook page called for it to be closed down, saying: ''This group must be revealed and stopped.''

- © Fairfax NZ News