Convicted rapist Ched Evans to return to Sheffield United fold
Former Wales international to train with League One side following prison release
A former Premier League player who was convicted of rape was told on Tuesday he can resume training with third-tier club Sheffield United.
Wales international Ched Evans was released from jail last month after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel in north Wales. His release prompted a national debate over whether he should be allowed to play professionally again.
In a statement on its website, Sheffield United said it was not making any decision about Evans’ long-term future but has “decided to respond favourably” to a request from the Professional Footballers’ Association to allow him to train at its facilities.
[Sheffield United has] decided to respond favourably [to PFA request]
The club said the decision was made to allow Evans to regain a level of fitness that enabled him to find employment in his chosen trade.
Sheffield United said it had considered the views of staff, official bodies, the union, club supporters and the public as well as statements from the PFA and Evans.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said last month United should “think really long and hard” before deciding whether to allow Evans back.
“Players these days, they get paid a lot of money, they are public figures and you can’t ignore that,” said Clegg, who represents a Sheffield district in the House of Commons.