Why This Young Rapist Should Not be allow to Play but a club wants him
Convicted rapist Ched Evans was this morning released from prison after serving half of his five year sentence.
The 25-year-old former Sheffield United striker is expected to make a “personal and profound” statement on his website next week and he has maintained his innocence throughout.
Until then, Women’s Aid has urged his former club not to allow him to return. The boss of Sheffield United, Nigel Clough, has reportedly held talks with officials about the possibility of him being allowed to play football with them again.
This is what Polly Neate, the chief executive of Women’s Aid had to say on the matter:
But what the heck somebody wants him:Sheffield United have to take responsibility for their response to the Ched Evans case, as a football club which is both an employer and a high profile brand. They have a significant leadership role in their community and there is no excuse for ignorance where violence against women and girls is concerned. Many employers would not wish to re-employ a convicted rapist in a high-profile position, because of the potential reputational risk and the message it sends out to others. While we would always support the principle of rehabilitating offenders, and encouraging those who have served their time to reintegrate back into society, an important element of rehabilitation is remorse and taking responsibility, which has not happened in this situation.We know that football clubs play an important role in our communities for shaping the future, and we can help them to respond appropriately to the sexist attitudes that underpin the abuse of women and girls and that are used to excuse crimes such as the rape committed by Ched Evans.
Hartlepool United manager Ronnie Moore has said he wants to sign footballer and convicted rapist Ched Evans.
After the club’s 1-1 draw with Oxford on Saturday, Moore, who took over as manager of the club this week, said that “if it could happen, I would want it to happen”.
He is a proven scorer - he’s served his time and the boy wants to play football.If there is a chance he might come here, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t.He has made a mistake and maybe he hasn’t apologised in the right way - and I know he has an appeal case pending - but if he gets on the park, he would go a long way to getting us out of trouble.
- Ronnie Moore
Evans was told by his former club Sheffield United, who he had been training with following his release from prison, that they did not want him to sign or even to train with them any more last month after they received criticism from fans and the media.
Jessica Ennis-Hill asked for her name to be taken down from one of the club’s stands if they wanted to sign Evans and club patron Charlie Webster resigned because they allowed him to train with them.
http://i100.independent.co.uk
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