Sheffield United have had a rethink over Ched Evans and decided to ‘retract the offer’ to let him train with us.
A statement was released on Thursday saying that this u-turn came after consultation with supporters, officials, staff and sponsors.
This official website statement read: ‘Sheffield United have decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the club’s facilities for training purposes.
‘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, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active.
‘The club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms.’
In the wake of Evans’ return to the club in a training capacity, which is all it was at that stage, Charlie Webster, Dave Berry and Lindsay Graham all resigned as patrons with Paul Heaton departing his role as the patron of the club’s community foundation.
In addition to this shirt sponsor DBL Logistics had threatened to end that arrangement if Evans signed a permanent deal and of course Olympic Champions Jessica Ennis-Hill had said she wanted her name removed from a stand renamed after her if he returned.
We now know that this isn’t going to happen…. Was it ever really likely?
The Football League said that they ‘fully understand the gravity of the offence’ but also added that should another club request permission to register Evans they would ‘have no option but to accept it.’
Evans, unless he successfully has his rape conviction overturned, is highly unlikely to return to the professional game.
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