Footballer Ched Evans was released from prison in October after serving two-and-a-half years of a five-year rape sentence, sparking a debate about whether the Welshman should be allowed to resume his professional career. Fourth-tier Oldham are the latest to contemplate signing him before abandoning the deal, saying its staff had received death threats.
English football's pariah —
Footballer Ched Evans was released from prison in October after serving two-and-a-half years of a five-year rape sentence, sparking a debate about whether the Welshman should be allowed to resume his professional career. Fourth-tier Oldham are the latest to contemplate signing him before abandoning the deal, saying its staff had received death threats.
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The 26-year-old was playing for third tier club Sheffield United when he was convicted of the rape of a 19-year-old girl in 2012, having joined the team for $4.8 million from Manchester City. A public backlash convinced United to rescind an offer for Evans to train with them upon his release.
English football's pariah —
The 26-year-old was playing for third tier club Sheffield United when he was convicted of the rape of a 19-year-old girl in 2012, having joined the team for $4.8 million from Manchester City. A public backlash convinced United to rescind an offer for Evans to train with them upon his release.
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Evans (right) has played for his country on 13 occasions between 2008 and 2011.
English football's pariah —
Evans (right) has played for his country on 13 occasions between 2008 and 2011.
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Prior to joining Sheffield United, Evans played for current English Premier League champions Manchester City, making a handful of appearances between 2007 and 2009.
English football's pariah —
Prior to joining Sheffield United, Evans played for current English Premier League champions Manchester City, making a handful of appearances between 2007 and 2009.
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After being rebuffed by Sheffield United, Evans has also suffered a similar fate with fourth-tier Hartlepool as well as Maltese club Hibernians. A host of politicians, including Labour leader Ed Miliband, have said Oldham should not hire him. The club say they have been put under "unbearable pressure."
English football's pariah —
After being rebuffed by Sheffield United, Evans has also suffered a similar fate with fourth-tier Hartlepool as well as Maltese club Hibernians. A host of politicians, including Labour leader Ed Miliband, have said Oldham should not hire him. The club say they have been put under "unbearable pressure."
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