‘Mob rule’ preventing me finding a new club, says convicted rapist footballer Ched Evans
Player hits out at protesters as Oldham become latest club to shy away from hiring him
Ched Evans, the soccer player trying to revive his career after a rape conviction, blamed “mob rule tactics” for forcing English club Oldham to abandon plans to sign him on Thursday.
Oldham said death threats received by staff, sponsors, and fans during a week of intense scrutiny on the third-division club made it impossible to sign Evans.
Evans criticised those who stopped his “lawful quest” to return to professional soccer.
“Sadly the ‘mob rule’ tactics employed by the more radical elements of our society and the constant media reporting has had the desired influence on some sponsors and the club would face significant financial pressure if I joined them,” Evans said on his personal website.
Evans said funding for a new stand at Oldham’s stadium would have been jeopardised if he played for the team.
“It would mean that workers would lose their jobs and others would be put at risk,” he said. “That would simply not be fair.”
Whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned