Polarised reaction to Ched controversy

FREE man . . . but convicted rapist Ched Evans is facing a storm of protest

Here’s a sample of the hundreds of comments we have received via email, Twitter and Facebook. Read many more comments on our associated stories


Katie Hopkins: Two and a half year contract for Ched — YES. To the 60,000 protestors clicking on a petition — your lust for vengeance was based on jealousy. It doesn’t matter what Ched did. He served his time. You are cross because he isn’t working in McDonalds. If Ched apologised, it still wouldn’t be good enough for you. You are used to politicians apologising. Some of us stand strong.


Ste Wallis: Well, it’s been painful and heart wrenching but I’ve made my decision. We all have our own morals and beliefs and lines that we feel can not be crossed. I was born an Oldham fan, that club has been the lifeblood that pumps through my veins since I can remember. It absolutely breaks my heart that a once proud, friendly family club can be seen to condone rape and abuse of women. All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.


Ric Jeffery: I’m totally disgusted that we have for one minute thought about signing this vile man. What I’m still mulling over though, is whether one man is bigger than the club or not. He’ll be gone in a few years one way or another, but our love for Latics has been and will be for life. Should one man ruin that? What I do know though is even after the current regime has long gone, and the Evans crisis a distant horrible memory, my club will always be tarnished in my eyes and indeed the nation.


Wildy: Congratulations to the club for having the nerve to stand firm against the ridiculous media frenzy. When even Cameron feels the need to comment it’s obvious there is an agenda to all this. It was the second item on the national news on Monday even above the Syrian conflict. Still it keeps Prince Andrew off the front pages. I’m willing to bet most of the people who signed the petition don’t even know where Oldham is. Evans has served his time for an offence he says he didn’t commit. End of.


David Ragg: Had a season ticket since I was seven. Since I’ve been an adult, never once considered not renewing. And then this happened. They’ve got my money for this season. I won’t be renewing next. Not saying I’ll stop going completely, no idea how I’ll feel about it. Will definitely be picking and choosing games. Not just turning up out of blind loyalty. That board doesn’t deserve blind loyalty.


Steve Shipman: I’d get his name printed on the back but it’ll cost me a fortune to get his apparent full name of “convicted rapist Ched Evans” on there.


Caboroig: THE online torrent of garbage continues as does the saga of the Ched Evans position. According to the many layers of media news outlets plus of course the excellent Chronicle reporting it does appear that the club have taken the bull by the horns and are likely to sign him. As a supporter of the club, and more importantly a person who believes in giving people a ‘second chance’ in life, I really admire the stance OAFC have taken in this very difficult situation.


Richard Wild: Ched Evans has agreed terms with Latics. Come on Ched, show the faith the club has shown in you and play your heart out.

Nick Maiden: Success brings fans, good footballing move, bad relations move. Ched’s the one who will get the most abuse but everyone associated with Latics will feel this. Just hope it’s all worth it.


Martin Wright: The circus that will come with this signing will last for a long time and detract from the football side of things. He’d better score plenty. I don’t think I’m happy overall.

Craig Ryan: I feel sick to my stomach. One thing’s for sure, we’ve sold our soul.


Craig Worswick: The honourable reputation of Oldham Athletic, intact since 1895, has been ruined. The signings of two time-served criminals has seen to that.


Piers Morgan: Many top sportswriters now agreeing with me that Ched Evans should play again. Not about supporting HIM, but society doing the right thing.


Eddie Roberts: Oldham signed Lee Hughes and now they sign Ched Evans, they know the risks and they obviously seem to care and try to help these players.


Liam Callaghan: Although he is a convicted rapist and I think what he did was horrific, I'm glad that Ched Evans has been given a second chance.


Henry Walmsley: Sick of people saying Ched Evans shouldn't be allowed to play football again. It's his job.


Peter Smith: Oldham Athletic, what are you thinking? Ched Evans will wear the same shirt as model professionals such as Denis Irwin and Gunnar Halle,


David Walker (Bishop of Manchester): We should remember the woman he raped and an unrepentant rapist can't be a role model.


Neil Mackay: Oldham signing Ched Evans doesn't just disgrace football it disgraces Britain. It says kicking a ball means more than rape. National shame.


Rob: WELL done Latics. Got bottle — Blades fan.


Latics Observer: MPs, councils, councillors, Police Commissioners, etc, should keep their own views on this subject to themselves. The law of the land does not say anywhere that anyone convicted of any crime in the UK is not then allowed to return to work or earning their living. On the contrary. We as a club have lead the way and that makes me even more proud of my club that I've supported for over 63 years.