Petition urges Sheffield United not to re-sign Ched Evans

Ched Evans is understood to be training with Sheffield United. Credit: PA

Over 157,000 people have signed a petition urging Sheffield United not to re-sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Press Association Sport understands that the club have agreed to allow Evans to train with the team in order to recover his fitness but as yet there is no move by the Blades to re-sign the striker.

The petition, hosted on change.org, is titled 'Refuse to reinstate Ched Evans as a player at Sheffield United' and is addressed at Blades chairman Kevin McCabe.

Campaign group Object said on Twitter: "Object stands in solidarity with the woman Ched Evans was convicted of raping and all other rape survivors affected by today's news."

Although there is no move by United to re-sign Evans, the club's willingness to allow him to train with them prompted a response from End Violence Against Women Coalition spokeswoman Sarah Green, who said: "We are appalled that top football club Sheffield United are taking the first step to allowing an unrepentant convicted rapist back into their team this week.

"Footballers are critical role models for young men and women in particular, and the player concerned is now set to return to top flight football when he has shown no remorse for his crime.

"Indeed he has used his profile to persistently claim his 'innocence' in the media and re-traumatise his own and many other victims."

But others, including the Professional Footballers' Association, believe he should be allowed to play again.

It is understood the club had planned to issue a statement clarifying their position on Wednesday but this may be brought forward now the news has leaked out.

Evans denied raping the woman, saying the sex was consensual, but he was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Evans playing for Sheffield United in 2012. Credit: PA

After his release, Evans released a video on his website protesting his innocence and vowing to clear his name.

He said: "It is my hope that I will be able to return to football.

"If that is possible then I will do so with humility, having learnt a very painful lesson.

"I would like a second chance."

Sheffield United signed Evans from Manchester City for £3million in 2009 and he scored 42 goals in 103 games for the Blades, who released him a month after his conviction.