Skip to content

Ched Evans: PFA understands Sheffield United's decision to retract training offer

Image: Ched Evans: Still a free agent after release from prison

The Professional Footballers Association says Sheffield United’s U-turn on Ched Evans is the right decision for all parties.

Evans was convicted of rape in 2012 and was released from prison in October after serving half of his five-year jail sentence.

The club's decision to allow the striker to use their training facilities resulted in a backlash from high-profile United supporters.

Former Housemartins and Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton quit as a patron of Sheffield United’s Community Foundation, TV presenter Charlie Webster and businesswoman Lindsay Graham resigned as patrons, while Olympic gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill asked for her name to be removed from a stand at the club’s Bramall Lane ground if Evans was allowed to return full-time.

Under increasing pressure, United decided to reverse their decision, and Evans is now looking for another club.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Evans offer retracted

The PFA – the players’ union – says it understands United’s decision, and the angry reaction to the club’s original decision. But it believes that Evans, and any other footballer in his position, should be allowed to return to the game after serving their punishment.

In a statement the union said: “We note Sheffield United's decision to retract the offer they made to Ched Evans for him to return to training with the club.

Respect

“It is not surprising given the subsequent delay in his return as the matter was debated and understandably strong opinions were aired.

It is not surprising given the subsequent delay in his return as the matter was debated and understandably strong opinions were aired.
PFA statement

“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.

“With that in mind, it may ultimately be of benefit to both parties to move on and for Ched to look for a fresh start at a different club.

“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.”

Sheffield United co-chairman Jim Phipps subsequently said that he is furious that the club has felt its hand has been forced over Evans. 

"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."

Around Sky