January 8 – Despite fierce opposition from fans and the general public and a number of sponsors threatening to pull out in protest, an English lower-league club appears on the verge of offering a contract to a convicted rapist who has served a jail sentence.
Welsh international striker Ched Evans, keen to resume his professional career, has been in talks about signing for League One club Oldham in the third tier of English football. Oldham chief Simon Corney has been quoted as saying there is an “80% chance” that he will join.
Evans, formerly of Sheffield United, has been without a club since he left prison in October after serving half of a five-year term for rape. Debate is split over whether he should be given a second chance but a petition opposing the move has been signed by more than 60,000 protesters.
Corney told the Jewish Chronicle newspaper he was not surprised by the backlash.
“I completely understand people’s views and I respect them. I would never tell people they are wrong to have their own views. But we want people to keep them in check. I hope people don’t get too carried away and it doesn’t get too hot.”
Corney revealed the decision to sign Evans had been taken “unanimously” by Oldham’s six-person board and that three Premier League club managers had contacted him to offer their support – but did not name them.
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