MX23RW : Friday, May 24 01:23:56| >> :600:188625:188625:

Deputy PM Nick Clegg warns Sheffield United over Ched Evans return

Deputy PM Nick Clegg warns Sheffield United to "think long and hard" over potentially offering convicted rapist Ched Evans a return to professional football.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has warned Sheffield United to "think long and hard" over potentially offering Ched Evans a return to professional football.

The Blades have accepted the PFA's request that their former striker train with them following his release halfway into a five-year prison sentence for rape.

United manager Nigel Clough has insisted that Evans rejoining the League One club on a full-time contract is a long way away, and Liberal Democrats leader Clegg, who is MP for Sheffield Hallam, has urged them to consider their next move very carefully.

"I think they need to think very long and hard about the decision that they're due to make because footballers these days," Clegg told ITV News.

"They're not just any old employee, they're also role models for young people. He committed a very serious offence. Yes he's done his time but I think Sheffield United need to think very long and hard before taking a decision of bringing him back."

United have already felt the backlash of allowing Evans to train with them, with television presenter Charlie Webster and businesswoman Lindsay Graham resigning from their roles as club patrons.

ID:187964: cacheID:187964:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2736:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Sheffield United player Ched Evans in action during the npower League One game between Sheffield United and Chesterfield at Bramall Lane on March 28, 2012
Read Next:
Clough: 'Evans entitled to second chance'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!