Sheffield United have announced they will not allow Ched Evans to train with the club, retracting the offer they made to the player 10 days ago.
In a statement, the club said:
“Sheffield United Football Club has decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the Club's facilities for training purposes, as was previously intended.
“We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have not only to a fine and proud Club, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the City we represent."
The club’s initial decision to allow Evan train generated a storm of controversy and admitted in the statement that this reaction was not anticipated.
“The Club initially accepted a request from The PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced,” the statement said.
Evans was last month released from prison after serving half of his five and a half year sentence for rape. The debate surrounding Evans, his crime, and if he should be allowed return to a career in professional football, has dominated discussion in football circles in recent weeks.
The statement added:
“As noted in previous statements from the Club, the legal system of this country provides for both the punishment and the rehabilitation of every person who has been found guilty of a crime. Sheffield United will not be used to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, as has been the want of certain sections of the media and various commentators. In addition, we remain disappointed at some of the inaccurate reporting, misinformed views and commentary, as well as the actions of a minority of individuals on social media. Professional footballers must be treated as equals before the law.
“The Club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms. The Club is aware that Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse via the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the determination he has to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.
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