I’d suggest football is tribal, the fact it was alleged to have happened against “one of our own” led the reaction. FWIW I’m very much a trust the process person. I have no connection to Vaughan for example, except liking him as a pundit, but if it hasn’t been proven after a thorough...
I think it was more a failed attempt at humour than a malicious intent to offend. Anyway, glad to have him back as I think he’s an excellent pundit and there was no evidence he did anything actually wrong. Felt like a witch hunt from the get go.