ITV News poll: 52% of people against Ched Evans' return to football

Just over half of people say convicted rapist Ched Evans should not be allowed to resume his football career.

In a poll carried out by ITV News, 52 per cent of all respondents said they were opposed to the former Sheffield United and Wales striker being allowed to return to the professional game, with 48 per cent saying he should be allowed.

Responses from male voters were similarly close, as 53 per cent were in favour of his return and 47 per cent against.

Sixty-three per cent of female respondents, however, were against him being allowed to play again.

Evans was convicted of raping a teenager in 2012 and was released today having served half of his five year sentence.

He has always maintained his innocence.

His mother tweeted today saying she was happy to have him home and a release on his website said he would make a "very personal and profound statement" next week.