Convicted rapist Ched Evans’ has finally apologised to his victim – after a fashion.
In a statement released by the Professional Footballers’ Association within hours of a potential move to Oldham falling through, Evans apologised “for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned”, but continued to maintain his innocence.
Ched Evans statement via PFA http://t.co/yxqEl06KnG pic.twitter.com/tPRsyXNcDA
— James Dart (@James_Dart) January 8, 2015
The statement has not been entirely well-received online.
Some felt it was too little too late.
Evans' statement could and should have been made in October. Complete lack of self-awareness. Feels like a last resort now.
— unitedite (@unitedite) January 8, 2015
Don't see anything in the Ched Evans statement that he couldn't have said months ago. Who are his lawyers?
— Catrin Griffiths (@thelawyercatrin) January 8, 2015
Some felt it lacked sincerity.
Basically Ched Evans is very sorry he can't get a job now.
— Tom Cheshire (@tomcheshiresky) January 8, 2015
Evans finally realises he won't be waltzing back into a fitba team and decides, years later, to apologise. Nah mate. #jobcentre
— Lisa Marie (@lisafreckles81) January 8, 2015
The timing, coming so soon after Oldham pulled out of a move to sign him, made some people suspicious.
Surely that Evans "apology" has come a little too late? After being rejected by his third club..
— k (@_kayleighsays) January 8, 2015
The only reason Ched Evans has apologised now is a last ditch attempt to save his career
— jimboburrell (@jamesburrellcfc) January 8, 2015
And some were even less impressed than that.
A revolting apology for "effects on many people". MT @guardian_sport: Ched Evans' statement http://t.co/CtyPv4LvbP pic.twitter.com/pmnpUc7hAp
— Carl Gardner (@carlgardner) January 8, 2015
On the other side, some questioned why he would apologise if he believes he is innocent.
If Evans believes that strongly that he is innocent, I don't see why he needs to apologise. His biggest crime was cheating on his missus.
— Craig Daniels (@craigdaniels82) January 8, 2015
See people keep saying Ched Evans should apologise but if he's adamant he's innocent why would he? Stuff that's going on is crazy
— Andy (@its_andyv) January 8, 2015
While others felt Evans now couldn’t win.
People moaned that Evans hadn't shown remorse yet then when he apologises it's 'a little too late' Some people really are morons.😩✋
— Sara Turner (@sara_ntfc) January 8, 2015
Finally, there was this measured response. They don’t always go down so well on Twitter, those.
Best thing for Ched Evans to do is wait for the results of the case review before returning to football.
— Steven Ward (@WardyPne) January 8, 2015
Source: SNAPPA
