Sheffield United Withdraw Offer To Convicted Rapist Footballer To Train With Club Following Public Backlash

Convicted rapist Ched Evans will not be allowed train with Sheffield United, after the football club retracted its offer to let him train following backlash from the public and a number of celebrities. Evans was originally offered the chance to train with the club after they accepted a request from the Professional Footballers’ Association, but decided to make a u-turn on their decision following a wave of public anger and backlash. In a statement released by the club on their website, they said that the reaction to their initial decision ‘has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated’. The statement continued: ‘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. ‘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.’ Sheffield United also said they do not want to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, and added that the club ‘condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms.’ Citing itself as a ‘family and community club’, the statement adds that they hope Sheffield United will grow from the experience. Amongst the wave of public anger, both Olympian Jessica Ennis and Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster removed their support from the football club. Following speaking out about the club’s decision, Jessica Ennis was threatened online with rape and death threats. Police are now investigating the online threats.