Blades U-turn on Evans

SHEFFIELD United has retracted its offer to let former player and convicted rapist Ched Evans train with the club.

The club admitted underestimating the weight of public opinion that rained down on the decision.

The Blades, who face Athletic tomorrow, last week controversially accepted the Professional Footballers’ Association’s request to allow Evans to use their training facilities.

Television presenter Charlie Webster, sixties pop star Dave Berry, musician Paul Heaton and Sheffield businesswoman Lindsay Graham all quit their roles with the club, while a petition against Evans attracted over 165,000 signatures.

Olympic champion Jessica Ennis–Hill said she wanted her named stand to be renamed if Evans was to be re–signed by United.

United quickly put out a statement rescinding its decison to allow Evans to train

Evans always denied raping the woman but was found guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Following his release from prison he uploaded a video on his website protesting his innocence.

The Blades added: "The club condemns rape and violence in the strongest possible terms. The club is aware Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.”