League One: Nick Clegg calls for Sheffield United to rethink decision over Ched Evans

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said Sheffield United must 'think long and hard' over any possible return to the club for convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Evans, who played 103 times for the club between 2009-2012, was released from prison last month after serving half of his five-year sentence imposed in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales.

Sheffield United announced on Tuesday that they had acceeded to a request from the Professional Footballers' Association to allow the 25-year-old to train with them this week while insisting 'no decision had been taken to re-sign him as a player'.

Clegg's comments were followed by news that one of United's sponsors, DLB Logistics, confirmed they will withdraw their support if the club re-signs the striker.  

Speaking to Sky News Radio, the Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Sheffield Hallam said: "Sheffield United need to make a decision.

"It is not for politicians like me to make it for them but I think they need to think long and hard because, of course it is true that he has done his time, it is equally true that football stars are more than just your average employees in an organisation.

"They are also role models for the community and particularly for younger fans and he's committed a very serious offence indeed and for that reason and given the rather unique status that football players play these days and how many youngsters look up to them, I think it's something the football club needs to think about long and hard."

Decision

Earlier local MP and Sheffield United shareholder Paul Blomfield urged the club to change their decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the first team.

Blomfield, the Labour MP for Sheffield Central who declares ownership of 100 Blades shares on his website, says United's decision is "dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans".

In an open letter to Sheffield United co-chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps, Blomfield writes: "It's because I care so much about our club that I am writing to urge you to reconsider your decision to accept Ched Evans back to train with the team.

"The way this issue has been handled by the club is dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans. Yesterday's decision only makes that situation worse. I really hope that you will reflect further and change your mind."

Blomfield said people found guilty of serious offences such as rape had to recognise the gravity of their crime.

He added: "Since his release Ched Evans has not taken this first step towards rehabilitation, but has trivialised his crime by describing it as an "act of infidelity".

"So we are considering the case of an unrepentant convicted rapist. To take him back in these circumstances sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence about how we view rape."

DBL Logistics, who are back-of-the-shirt sponsors for the Blades, said it would continue to offer its financial support for the time being, but would withdraw that should Evans be re-signed by the club.

A statement from the transport company on its Facebook page read: "DBL Logistics is a business that has been built with family values at its core. It strongly condemns rape and violence of any kind against women.

"DBL Logistics would end its back-of-shirt sponsorship with Sheffield United if the Club employed a convicted rapist. However, whilst the current situation remains and Ched Evans is not contracted to Sheffield United, DBL Logistics will continue its business to business relationship with the club."