Ashamed to be British - Owen

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 24 February 2015


ATHLETIC director Barry Owen says he was left “ashamed to be British” over the failed attempt to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

In an interview with Dublin-based radio station 98FM, former superintendent Owen described his continuing belief that the disillusioned former Sheffield United striker should have become an Athletic player after serving his jail sentence.

The move fell apart under an intense media spotlight last month, leaving the clubless 26-year-old former Wales international in a continuing limbo.

Evans had been set to sign a £1,500-a-week contract, but as sponsors withdrew and threats were allegedly made to the families of board members, the plug was pulled.

Owen, who recently resigned as chair of Trust Oldham before being co-opted back on the board, says the attitude of those fiercely opposed to Evans working within the law and football’s rules was “deplorable”.

He revealed he continues to have contact with Evans and met him for lunch last week.

“Dare I go as far as to say I am ashamed to be British, really,” Owen said. “People in senior positions were prepared to sit on the fence and said we should think very carefully before deciding to sign Ched Evans. That is exactly what we did.

“We had to think of our fans, the effect on people, look at why he could or couldn’t show remorse for his actions at this stage, and other things that would satisfy that we could employ him.

“When you look at the abusive content in reaction that helped to stop this going through, it is quite deplorable.

“I don’t excuse his activities; I deplore what he allegedly did — allegedly because of the appeal process at the moment. He was convicted by a jury and sentenced by a judge and accepts he is a convicted man at this stage.

“He had the full weight of the law when he was convicted and he should have the full weight of the law now his is out of prison and should be allowed to work.”

“The lad is frustrated. he is a young footballer who trains every day but can’t now continue with his profession and is virtually unemployable until the case comes before the review board.

“I make no excuses for his actions and feel dreadfully sorry for the young lady in question, who has been dreadfully hounded and has taken refuge under a different name. She must be really going through it. There have been no winners in this situation.”