Harry Redknapp says Ched Evans should get chance to rebuild his career
Thursday 8 January 2015 15:46, UK
Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp believes Ched Evans should be allowed to continue his career as a footballer following his release from prison.
Evans was freed in October, halfway through a five-year sentence for rape, since when he has struggled to find employment in football.
A return to Sheffield United was ruled out, while another League One club – Oldham – also held discussions with the 26-year-old about a possible contract.
However, on Thursday, it was revealed that the Boundary Park club have decided not to go ahead with their plans to sign Evans.
After bowing to public opinion from a number of respected figures and organisations, the Blades and Latics opted not to employ the disgraced striker.
Speaking before the news from Oldham was confirmed, Redknapp told a press conference: "I think it's about getting a second chance in life.
"It's very difficult, people make mistakes, dreadful mistakes in life, but people go in prison or whatever they do, whether you've murdered someone or whatever, unfortunately a lot of them come out.
"But once you've done your time you've done your time, and somewhere along the line you've got to come out and make a go of your life.
"So it's a very difficult situation at the moment with the lad who is a footballer and wants to play football.
"What does he do? If he goes and works in a supermarket people are going to say, 'we've got a rapist working in the supermarket'.
"Somewhere he's got to work, whether it's football or somewhere, he can't just not be allowed to carry on with his life."
