Sheffield United's co-chairman is "angry and upset" the club has been forced to retract its offer allowing Ched Evans to train.
The footballer was allowed to train at his former club after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl.
This decision - which followed a request from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) - was met by public furore, with Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill saying she would want her name removed from a stand at Bramall Lane if the Blades offered Evans a deal.
Several club patrons stepped down - all of which prompted Sheffield United to retract their offer.
But co-chairman Jim Phipps is not happy.
"I'm angry that we are not able to get a chance to do for this footballer what should be done," he said.
"I'm upset that we are not able to do what we wanted to do, but I acknowledge that my view is not the only view.
"My principles and the board's principles are not the only thing that matter."
The PFA has released a statement saying the Wales international, 25, should be given an opportunity to play for another club.
"We fully understand and respect the opposing views to Ched's return to Sheffield United and clearly part of the issue related to him returning to the club he was previously with at the time of his imprisonment," said the statement.
"We maintain our general position that the courts determine punishments and a return to society and a contribution to the community through employment is a key element of rehabilitation.
"We do not agree that society should impose different rules for footballers which go beyond the position of the law. In that regard, it is hoped that Ched will be given an opportunity at another club to return to the job he is trained to do."
In their retraction statement Sheffield United said the intensity of reaction to the footballer returning to train could not have been anticipated.
Sponsors had said they might "re-evaluate" their relationship with the League One side.
Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg tweeted: "A sensible decision by Sheffield United regarding Ched Evans. Step in the right direction."
Evans has continued to protest his innocence since his release and in a video statement said he hoped to be allowed to return to professional football.
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