Ched Evans to Train with Sheffield United After Rape Conviction

Sheffield United has come under fire for allowing convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the team. 

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Monday, Nov. 17

Paul Heaton Resigns from Sheffield United Community Foundation

Musician Paul Heaton announced on his Facebook page that he would be resigning from the Sheffield United Community Foundation over Ched Evans training with Sheffield United:

Thursday, Nov. 13

Jessica Ennis-Hill Joins List of Disgruntled United Patrons

Track star Jessica Ennis-Hill has commented on Ched Evans training with Sheffield United, according to Sky News:

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Sheffield United Loses Supporters Over Evans

The decision to allow Ched Evans to train with the team has started to cost Sheffield United patrons, according to BBC Radio Sheffield and BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan:

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Sheffield United will allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to begin training later this week, according to Dan Roan of BBC Sport.

Evans was released from prison in October after completing half of his five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. Fierce debate has met his exit from jail and centred on whether he should be allowed to return to professional football.

A petition against the player's return to Sheffield United features nearly 157,000 signatures at the time of writing. Some fans sang in favour of Evans' reappearance during the recent win over Bradford City, while the player himself has made no qualms about his desire to play football again.

"It is a rare and extraordinary privilege to be permitted to play professional football," said Evans in a recently released video on his website, per Roan. "It is my hope that I will be able to return. If that is possible then I will do so with humility having learned a very painful lesson."

Evans admitted he "would like a second chance," something it seems Sheffield United are willing to provide. Roan confirmed the Blades continue "to deliberate on any long-term decision" and are yet to decide whether the striker will be offered a full-time contract.

Television presenter and Sheffield United patron Charlie Webster—who was sexually assaulted as a child—has resigned as a result. The Guardian's Staff provided Webster's statement, while BBC Newsnight provided video on YouTube:

"

At no point have Sheffield United acknowledged the extremity of his crime. I think it’s over 155,000 people now that have signed a petition against Ched Evans going back to the club. Nobody’s making a decision and I suppose I feel I need to make a decision as patron of Sheffield United.

My decision, which I’ve informed the club about a little bit earlier on, is that I resign as patron of Sheffield United, Sheffield United Community Foundation, which is all about inspiring the next generation through sport.

He’s not just going into a job, he’s bandied as a role model, we cheer him on as a role model and he’s influencing the next generation of young men who are currently still making their decisions on how to treat women and what sexual mutual consent is.

"

Gordon Taylor, chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, recently admitted there is a lack of precedent in the sport for such a situation. However, he hinted Evans' willingness to contribute to society should see his return go ahead, reported by BBC's Sport Wales show:

"

I didn't know there was a law that said once you come out of prison you still can't do anything. As a trade union we believe in the rule of law... besides that, he still wants to contribute to society. If he earns money he'll pay taxes, those taxes will go to help people who maybe can't get a job.

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Evans joined Sheffield United in 2009 after failing to hold down a regular spot at Manchester City and impressing on loan at Norwich. He has received 13 caps for Wales, but he was released by United in 2012 after his conviction was announced.