Friday 21 November 2014 00:35, UK
Sheffield United have retracted the decision to allow Ched Evans to train with the club following his recent release from prison.
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 athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill asked for her name to be removed from a stand at the club’s Bramall Lane ground if Evans returns full-time.
"Sheffield United Football Club has decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the club's facilities for training purposes, as was previously intended," a club statement read.
"The club initially accepted a request from the PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced."
Evans' attempts to resume his career at United have been hit by a string of protests, while a petition against Evans rejoining attracted thousands of signatures.
Ennis-Hill's statement led to the London 2012 gold medallist receiving abuse on Twitter.
The club added: "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, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the city we represent."
We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have.
The statement continued: "Members of the board have consulted dispassionately with the club's supporters, vice presidents, Community Foundation members, executives, staff, sponsors and other relevant stakeholders in order to help it reach this decision.
"Also, the club has been diligent in communicating with The Football Association, The Football League, The Professional Footballers' Association (The PFA), The Football Association of Wales and The National Probation Service to take further soundings."
The Blades reiterated their stance that Evans should be given a "rehabilitation".
"As noted in previous statements from the club, the legal system of this country provides for both the punishment and the rehabilitation of every person who has been found guilty of a crime," added the statement.
"Sheffield United will not be used to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, as has been the want of certain sections of the media and various commentators.
"In addition, we remain disappointed at some of the inaccurate reporting, misinformed views and commentary, as well as the actions of a minority of individuals on social media. Professional footballers must be treated as equals before the law."
