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Ched Evans row: Sheffield Utd wrong to allow training - MP Ched Evans row: MP and patrons criticise Sheffield Utd
(about 1 hour later)
Sheffield United should reconsider their decision to allow ex-player Ched Evans to train with the club after his rape conviction, the local MP has said.Sheffield United should reconsider their decision to allow ex-player Ched Evans to train with the club after his rape conviction, the local MP has said.
Evans, 25, was freed last month after serving half of a five-year jail sentence, and maintains he is innocent.Evans, 25, was freed last month after serving half of a five-year jail sentence, and maintains he is innocent.
Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield said the club's move "sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence". Paul Blomfield said the club's move "sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence".
United's manager said no decision on whether to re-sign Evans had been made. Three club patrons have now resigned but United said no decision on whether to re-sign Evans had been made.
Almost 157,000 people have signed a petition urging Sheffield United not to take the striker back. The club had chosen not to renew his contract following his conviction. Almost 157,000 people have signed a petition urging Sheffield United not to take the striker back. The club had chosen not to renew his contract following his conviction and he is currently out of contact.
Meanwhile, three patrons of the club have announced they were resigning over the decision to allow Evans to train. TV presenter Charlie Webster's announcement on Tuesday evening has now been followed by similar announcements by 1960s pop star Dave Berry and school food and health adviser Lindsay Graham. TV presenter Charlie Webster announced on Tuesday evening she was standing down as a Sheffield United patron, saying the club had failed to acknowledged the "extremity" of Evan's crime.
Her announcement was followed by the resignations of two more patrons - 1960s pop star Dave Berry and school food and health adviser Lindsay Graham. Ms Graham said she was standing down for "personal" reasons.
In a letter to Sheffield United's co-chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps posted on his Facebook page, Mr Blomfield said he had been contacted by many constituents about the case and had been talking privately to the club.In a letter to Sheffield United's co-chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps posted on his Facebook page, Mr Blomfield said he had been contacted by many constituents about the case and had been talking privately to the club.
'Crime trivialised''Crime trivialised'
The Sheffield United supporter said he had not commented publicly on the issue because he was confident the Blades would make the "right decision in accordance with the values of our club... sadly it appears I was wrong".The Sheffield United supporter said he had not commented publicly on the issue because he was confident the Blades would make the "right decision in accordance with the values of our club... sadly it appears I was wrong".
Mr Blomfield said: "Everybody deserves a second chance, but with such serious offences this is based on offenders recognising the gravity of their crimes and seeking to make good for them. Since his release Ched Evans has not taken this first step towards rehabilitation, but has trivialised his crime." Mr Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central, said: "Everybody deserves a second chance, but with such serious offences this is based on offenders recognising the gravity of their crimes and seeking to make good for them. Since his release Ched Evans has not taken this first step towards rehabilitation, but has trivialised his crime."
He said the club should make its decisions on the basis that Evans was an "unrepentant convicted rapist".He said the club should make its decisions on the basis that Evans was an "unrepentant convicted rapist".
In his letter, Labour MP Mr Blomfield added the "way this issue has been handled by the club is dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans... I really hope that you will reflect further and change your mind". In his letter, Mr Blomfield added the "way this issue has been handled by the club is dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans... I really hope that you will reflect further and change your mind".
On Tuesday, Sheffield United said it had granted Evans permission to train with the side following a request from the Professional Footballers' Association. But there was no sign of Evans at Sheffield United's training ground on Wednesday morning.On Tuesday, Sheffield United said it had granted Evans permission to train with the side following a request from the Professional Footballers' Association. But there was no sign of Evans at Sheffield United's training ground on Wednesday morning.
The Wales international footballer was jailed in April 2012 for raping a woman in a hotel room in Rhyl. He says the sex was consensual.The Wales international footballer was jailed in April 2012 for raping a woman in a hotel room in Rhyl. He says the sex was consensual.
An appeal against Evans's conviction was rejected by three judges at the Court of Appeal in 2012. His case is due to be looked at by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.An appeal against Evans's conviction was rejected by three judges at the Court of Appeal in 2012. His case is due to be looked at by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor said in a statement that the case was provoking "strong feelings" but the union's role was to help its members even if they had been in prison.Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor said in a statement that the case was provoking "strong feelings" but the union's role was to help its members even if they had been in prison.
"It is a fundamental part of the justice system in this country and society in general that a person serves the punishment which the court determines is appropriate and, providing that has been done, an individual is entitled to be released to continue with his or her life," he said."It is a fundamental part of the justice system in this country and society in general that a person serves the punishment which the court determines is appropriate and, providing that has been done, an individual is entitled to be released to continue with his or her life," he said.
"Needless to say, as part of that is a return to his or her career and that remains the case for professional footballers as it does for any other individual.""Needless to say, as part of that is a return to his or her career and that remains the case for professional footballers as it does for any other individual."
Meanwhile, Sheffield United's main shirt sponsor, John Holland Sales, has said it "remains committed to its commercial partnership" with the club.
The company said it had been told been told by the club that the agreement to allow Evans to train was "with a view to enable Mr Evans to return to a level of fitness which might allow him to seek employment within football".
It said it condemned rape and violence against women and would re-evaluate its position if Evans was actually re-employed by the club.