Sheffield United were knocked out of the semi finals of the League one play offs last night after a thrilling match which saw 10 goals being scored. United needed just one goal to take the game into extra time but Swindon held on to win the tie 7-6 on aggregate.
The Blades have just announced that they ”
Following the statement dated 11th November and after ongoing and extensive deliberation, Sheffield United Football Club has decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the Club’s facilities for training purposes, as was previously intended.
Members of the Board have consulted dispassionately with the Club’s supporters, Vice Presidents, Community Foundation members, executives, staff, sponsors and other relevant stakeholders in order to help it reach this decision. Also, the Club has been diligent in communicating with The Football Association, The Football League, The Professional Footballers’ Association (The PFA), The Football Association of Wales and The National Probation Service to take further soundings.
We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have not only to a fine and proud Club, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the City we represent.
The Club initially accepted a request from The PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced.
As noted in previous statements from the Club, the legal system of this country provides for both the punishment and the rehabilitation of every person who has been found guilty of a crime. Sheffield United will not be used to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, as has been the want of certain sections of the media and various commentators. In addition, we remain disappointed at some of the inaccurate reporting, misinformed views and commentary, as well as the actions of a minority of individuals on social media. Professional footballers must be treated as equals before the law.
The Club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms. The Club is aware that Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse via the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the determination he has to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.
During this whole period, we have been served a timely reminder of what we have been throughout our history: Sheffield United is a Family and Community Club that, even in times of adversity, will remain strong and grow from its experiences.
The Club will not be making any further comment on this issue.
Read more at http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-ched-evans-2094632.aspx#8IeRISjwDLkGwiuK.99
Jessica Ennis-Hill has become the latest star to say that she will not lend her name to Sheffield United if they give Ched Evans a contract. The Blades have a stand named after the Olympic Gold medalist. Ched Evans was convicted of rape and has been training at the United Ground.
Life long Blades fan Paul Blomfield, MP for Central Sheffield, has spoken out against Sheffield United’s decision to allow Ched Evans to train with the team. He says that from private discussions he had had with the club that he had hoped they would not be working with Evans.
Nigel Clough says that Barnsley is a good all round side as United get ready for the South Yorkshire Derby.
Nigel Clough talked to us about The Blades preparation for the match against Yeovil. He said that the team were totally focused on the game and that the Ched Evans issue was not affecting their game.
Sheffield United face Bradford City at the weekend. Manager Nigel Clough told Sheffield Live the team were looking to take their attacking game to Bradford after a disappointing draw at home to Leyton Orient.