Ched Evans was sentenced to five years imprisonment on 20th April 2012 after being indicted of the rape of a 19-year-old woman.
Deemed too drunk to give the striker, who at the time featured for Manchester City, her consent, the act in a hotel near Rhyl in May 2011 eradicated the career of the Sheffield United striker.
Recently released on 17th October 2014, having served half his sentence, controversy has been ever-present about whether he should be allowed to recommence his career. Sheffield United, a club Evans has remained faithful to having made over 100 appearances for, met with the 25-year-old back in April to discuss the possibility of re-signing the costless agent following his release from prison.
Ched Evans was sentenced to five years imprisonment on 20th April 2012 after being indicted of the rape of a 19-year-old woman.
And as news broke about the speculation, a petition was formed with over 150,000 signatures urging the club not to do so, citing it would be a “deep insult to the woman who was raped and to all women like her who have suffered at the hands of a rapist”.
However, following his release from prison, it was announced that Evans would resume training with the Blades. The Professional Footballers’ Association requested that Sheffield United would let Evans train at their facilities – due to being the last club he represented before his conviction. The decision has caused outrage for many, who believe Evans should play no role in football again, deemed as a role model and inspiration to many.
Despite yet to sign for Sheffield United officially, who could still decide against re-signing the Welshman, club patrons Charlie Webster, Lindsay Graham, Dave Berry and Paul Heaton have all resigned from their respective positions.
Olympic athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill has also threatened against the club, requesting her name was removed from a stand at Bramall Lane should Evans be signed. However, Ennis-Hill has not commented on the scenario of Evans training with the League One outfit.
Chedwyn Evans maintains his absolute innocence and his family, friends and many who know the true facts of the case believe that his conviction was a gross miscarriage of justice.
They have all wished to be no longer affiliated to a club who would promote and support someone of Evans’ status – who remains to plead he was unlawfully sentenced. A statement on the striker’s website reads:
“Chedwyn Evans maintains his absolute innocence and his family, friends and many who know the true facts of the case believe that his conviction was a gross miscarriage of justice.
“We believe that due to Ched’s profession, information that was not used by his original defence and other information that has been gathered since his conviction will in time overturn a wrongful conviction.
“Ched would like it to be known that if ever given the opportunity a return to Sheffield United would be his first choice of club.”
Sheffield United are yet to approach Evans officially over the re-signing, with the Football League stating that although they recognise the gravity of the crime – they value the reintegration of reformed criminals and could not take any action against any club which would hire Evans.
United manager Nigel Clough recently commented saying the club are “nowhere near” signing Evans, as his 30 months out of the professional lifestyle and game would require an improvement by Evans before consideration. With an important run of fixtures also looming for the Blades, a decision would not be made by the club immediately.
As well as losing club patrons, DBL Logistics - Sheffield United’s sponsor on the back of the shirts - stated they would end their sponsorship should Evans sign.
While many believe the unlawful situation is morally wrong, football is a business. It may sound disrespectful or ruthless, but officials must do what is best for the club, and re-signing the convicted rapist could be the best option for the club.
Ched Evans was undoubtedly a fine talent before his conviction. After youth spells with Rhyl, Chester City and Manchester City, the striker signed his first professional contract with the Citizens in May 2006. Making 16 appearances under Stuart Pearce, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Mark Hughes, 10 goals in 28 league appearances on a loan spell to Norwich City earned him a permanent switch to Bramall Lane.
Having represented the Welsh national team 13 times – while featuring for the Under-19 and Under-21 sides – Evans scored an astonishing 13 goals in the same number of appearances for the Under-21’s. 42 goals in 103 appearances for the Blades saw Evans become a fan favourite before the outrage, and he made himself an influential figure in the United set-up.
For that reason, it is understandable that Nigel Clough’s side would consider the availability of Evans. Football’s sole objective is success, and a player with the talent of Evans would improve their chances of success. The question that faces United now is what they value more – their success as a club and a business, or their morals - with the power fans have over their club become a critical factor.
25-year-old Clayton McDonald played alongside Evans at Manchester City, and was also involved the lengthy court case against the Premier League stars. McDonald was deemed innocent, and was acquitted of the charges. Following the incident, a statement from McDonald’s lawyer stated:
"Clayton McDonald has maintained his innocence from the start and is relieved at his verdict. However, he is very upset and disappointed regarding the verdict given to his lifelong friend, Ched Evans, whom he will continue to support in any way possible."
It’s so hard to move on with all this publicity. I have sympathy for Ched but I was found innocent at the end of the day. Trouble is, mud sticks and I have found it very difficult for a club to take me on.
The Liverpool-born defender faced a number of moves after failing to represent the reigning Premier League champions, and currently plays in the Conference Premier with Stockport. However, he feels the trial has destroyed both his career, and his life. Following Evan’s release, McDonald said:
"It’s so hard to move on with all this publicity. I have sympathy for Ched but I was found innocent at the end of the day. Trouble is, mud sticks and I have found it very difficult for a club to take me on. I was cleared of rape but Ched’s case and subsequent publicity have destroyed my life and career.
“I had a year of hell leading up the trial, and it’s not changed much since. To be falsely accused of rape is terrible. I wasn’t guilty of anything but had to prove it. I have tried to rebuild my life ever since the court case but have found it near impossible. As a pro you have to try and cope but it’s so hard."
As McDonald’s career has subsequently faltered at the hands of the trial, Evans would be likely to face a similar stance on a greater level. Supporters and officials could walk away from the club, refusing to support someone like Evans for their beloved team. It is imminent that he would receive a wealth of abuse and disrespect over the matter, which could affect his personal life on a greater scale should he continue to play.
While fans attempt to start petitions to get the striker banned from football, it looks as if attempts will fail. The Football Association have expressed their understanding that football is still a career for Evans, and many others would not be forced to change their career plan following their punishment. Nevertheless, the sport is watched and adored by many young fans, who could look up to him as an inspiration.
The decision should now come down to Sheffield United, or any other club who attempt to sign the Welsh international. A ban from football looks unlikely and callous, but Sheffield United will need to make the decision on what is more important to their club. Is Ched Evans worth risking their credibility and respectability?