Women’s rights group End Violence Against Women Coalition called to the FA and to U.K. Culture Minister Sajid Javid "to demonstrate a greater understanding of the seriousness of sexual violence and its relevance to sports," according to Ella Alexander of the London INDEPENDENT. The statement "comes following claims that Ched Evans, footballer and convicted rapist, will reportedly start training" with League One side Sheffield United later this week. He "has continued to maintain his innocence." There "has much debate over whether or not Evans should be reinstated at the team, with a petition launched campaigning against his return." End Violence Against Women Coalition spokesperson Sally Green said that "more needs to be done." She described Sheffield United’s decision to allow Evans to begin training at the club as “appalling,” noting that footballers are “critical role models for young men and women in particular” (INDEPENDENT, 11/11). The BBC reported one of Sheffield United's sponsors said that "it will end its association with the club" if it re-signs Evans. DBL Logistics, which sponsors the back of players' shirts, said it "strongly condemns rape and violence." John Holland Sales, which sponsors the front of players' shirts, said it will "re-evaluate" its position if Evans rejoins the Blades (BBC, 11/12). The London TELEGRAPH reported TV presenter Charlie Webster "has resigned as a patron of Sheffield United" after the club allowed Evans to return for training. Webster, who revealed in an interview earlier this year that she was sexually assaulted as a teenager, "had vowed to quit her role if the club re-signed Evans." Webster said that she had had a conversation with the chairman of the club, which she described as "positive," but she added that "she felt she had to make a decision after Evans returned to training" (TELEGRAPH, 11/12). The PA reported Sheffield Central Labour MP Paul Blomfield has "written to Sheffield United urging them to change their decision" to allow Evans to train with the club. Blomfield, who declares ownership of 100 Sheffield United shares on his website, said the Blades’ decision is “dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans” (PA, 11/12).
SECOND CHANCE? In London, Jemima Thackray asked "should a convicted rapist be allowed to resume such a public role?" Does the act of rape "carry a moral stain that is worse than other crimes?" Should "he get a second chance?" A convicted criminal, even a rapist, "should be able to return to his former work; the work he is skilled in, the work that might be key to his reformation and re-entry into society." However, "it must be recognised that the role of professional footballer is a big step up from a local business leader in terms of its public profile." The 160,000 people who signed that Change.org petition do not want Evans being held up "as a role model for young sports fans." Indeed, "it is the shallow and at times morally dubious nature of football culture that makes me inclined to say that -- although rehabilitation through work is desirable in almost all cases -- no matter how high profile the job, the so-called ‘beautiful game’ is the last place Ched Evans is going to find it" (TELEGRAPH, 11/12).
