Sheff Utd Can't 'Wish Away' Ched Evans's Rape, Says Clegg

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Thursday 16th October 2014

Sheffield United must think long and hard about whether to re-employ Ched Evans when he is released from jail, according to Nick Clegg.

The striker is expected to be released from jail tomorrow after serving a sentence for rape.

The Deputy Prime Minister stopped short of saying he shouldn't be taken back by his constituency's local club, but insisted that footballers need to be good role models.

Mr Clegg said: "It's not for me to decide, it's for Sheffield United. I think that the owners of Sheffield United - and the manager has said, very clearly, that it is a decision for the owners first to take before he can take one.

"I think that the owners need to think really long and hard about, when you take a footballer on, you’re not just taking a footballer these days, you’re also taking on a role model.

"You’re taking on a role model, particularly for a lot of young boys who look up to their heroes on the football pitch, and he’s committed a very, very serious crime.

"When someone’s done their time, they’ve done their time. My opinion is this; rape is an incredibly serious offence – an unbelievably serious offence. He’s done his time, but I just don’t believe that the owners of the football club can somehow wish away what has happened.

"And that is what he is known for and that is something which, particularly for the youngster following the team, they’ll always be aware of.

"I don’t think it’s right for politicians to tell football clubs what they will do or who they employ. All I’m saying is that footballers, players these days, they get paid a lot of money, they’re public figures and you can’t ignore that."