Advertisement

Blades Reverse Evans Decision

Hartlepool Rule Out Signing Ched Evans

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, after serving half of a five-year prison sentence having been found guilty of rape in April 2012, 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."