- Messages
- 20,926
- Name
- Steve
- Edit My Images
- Yes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-28769026
More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling on Sheffield United not to re-employ disgraced footballer Ched Evans.
Evans, 25, was convicted of rape in April 2012 and jailed for five years. He is due to be released in October.
The Blades have refused to comment on a possible return for the striker they signed for £3m in 2009.
However, Alan Smith from the official Sheffield United supporters' club said: "I've been told he will be back."
'Really appalling'
He added: "I think that for most supporters it's good he's coming back because of what he did for us before. I think that he's served his time."
"Ched would love to play for Sheffield again. He loved his time there”
Natasha MasseyGirlfriend of Ched Evans
However, Nicky, who is among the signatories to the petition, told BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire: "I appreciate he's done his time in prison but there's an argument about rehabilitation and many of us who have signed the petition do not feel Ched has been rehabilitated."
She added: "He continues to protest his innocence and for him to walk back into a high-profile job where he's seen as a role model as if nothing has happened is just really appalling."
Evans, a Welsh international, denied raping the 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, in north Wales, but was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court.
He has tried to have his conviction overturned and, in July, applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to review the case in the hope it will lead to a new appeal.
The footballer's girlfriend, Natasha Massey, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Ched will forever maintain his innocence and we will continue to appeal.
"Anyone who is released from prison, part of their rehabilitation is to return to work.
Ched Evans continues to deny he raped his victim
"Ched's work so happens to be a professional footballer so I think he should be allowed to return to his job.
"Ched would love to play for Sheffield again. He loved his time there."
Evans scored 42 goals in his 103 appearances for Sheffield United, who are among the favourites to gain promotion to the Championship this season.
More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling on Sheffield United not to re-employ disgraced footballer Ched Evans.
Evans, 25, was convicted of rape in April 2012 and jailed for five years. He is due to be released in October.
The Blades have refused to comment on a possible return for the striker they signed for £3m in 2009.
However, Alan Smith from the official Sheffield United supporters' club said: "I've been told he will be back."
'Really appalling'
He added: "I think that for most supporters it's good he's coming back because of what he did for us before. I think that he's served his time."
"Ched would love to play for Sheffield again. He loved his time there”
Natasha MasseyGirlfriend of Ched Evans
However, Nicky, who is among the signatories to the petition, told BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire: "I appreciate he's done his time in prison but there's an argument about rehabilitation and many of us who have signed the petition do not feel Ched has been rehabilitated."
She added: "He continues to protest his innocence and for him to walk back into a high-profile job where he's seen as a role model as if nothing has happened is just really appalling."
Evans, a Welsh international, denied raping the 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, in north Wales, but was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court.
He has tried to have his conviction overturned and, in July, applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to review the case in the hope it will lead to a new appeal.
The footballer's girlfriend, Natasha Massey, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Ched will forever maintain his innocence and we will continue to appeal.
"Anyone who is released from prison, part of their rehabilitation is to return to work.
Ched Evans continues to deny he raped his victim
"Ched's work so happens to be a professional footballer so I think he should be allowed to return to his job.
"Ched would love to play for Sheffield again. He loved his time there."
Evans scored 42 goals in his 103 appearances for Sheffield United, who are among the favourites to gain promotion to the Championship this season.