Ched Evans: the arguments for and against

Debate continues to rage on social media about the rights and wrongs of Ched Evans’ potential return to football. With Oldham reportedly having second thoughts about offering the convicted rapist a contract as an online petition gains traction, we look at what people are saying on Twitter. Club sponsor Verlin has said it will terminate any involvement with Oldham should the club sign convicted rapist Ched Evans. — PA Dugout (@PA_dugout) January 5, 2015 Plenty of people can’t believe Oldham have been taken by surprise by the reaction. I'm scratching my head about how Oldham Athletic could possibly be 'shocked' about strength of feeling around Ched Evans… #dejavu — Natalie Pirks (@Natpirks) January 5, 2015 Officials at Oldham said to be shocked at reaction to maybe signing Ched Evans. Didn't they see what happened at Sheffield Utd? — Matt Barbet (@MattBarbet) January 5, 2015 New definition of naivety: football clubs floating the idea of Ched Evans joining – then being spooked by the reaction. Oldham, the latest. — Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) January 5, 2015 Many thought the victim was being lost in the debate… If @OfficialOAFC sign Ched Evans they are supporting the bullying and harassment of his victim who has had to move 5 times since the rape. — Blef (@blefuscu74) January 4, 2015 Why is the media giving so much air time to Ched Evans, surely this makes it much worse for his victim? He's not a story! — Stephen Holt (@StephenEHolt) January 5, 2015 So many Ched Evans apologists on here. Speak to a victim of rape before you start using phrases like "served his time." — Paul Sng (@sng_paul) January 4, 2015 …or saw an opportunity for Evans to start to face up to what he did. Wonder if Ched Evans will use tomorrow's press conference to apologise for the harassment of the victim caused by people who support him ? — Nigel Adderley (@nadderley) January 4, 2015 But there were plenty of voices arguing for Evans to be allowed to continue his career. This Ched Evans thing is ridiculous now. The crime he was found guilty of is awful but he's served the time the justice system gave him. — The Special Ron (@TheSpecialRon) January 5, 2015 Give Ched Evans a break and get on with your pathetic lives. He's done his time — Nick Griff (@GriffinSpurs) January 4, 2015 it annoys me when people say Ched Evans shouldn't be allowed to play football — Aidy P (@aidan_porter) January 4, 2015 Comparisons were drawn between Evans and the cases of Lee Hughes and Luke McCormick. #oafc signed Lee Hughes after he did time 4 causing death by dangerous driving & fleeing scene so not surprised if they sign Ched Evans — Glenn Moore (@GlennMoore7) January 4, 2015 20,000 people signing an online petition to stop Ched Evans playing again, where were you when Luke McCormick and Lee Hughes came out? — Stuart Plant (@Stuey_Plant24) January 5, 2015 So Lee Hughes killed someone allowed back in the game Luke McCormick killed someone to allowed back in the game!Surely Ched Evans should be? — Dean Norwood (@Noddy_08) January 5, 2015 Sorry but i think the treatment of ched evans is terrible. The lad served his time, let him rebuild his life. Lee Hughes killed someone FFS — Andrew Baker (@andyb4ker) January 5, 2015 And many took the opportunity to express their displeasure to Oldham. What a classy club Oldham are. First Lee Hughes, and now Ched Evans. Go bankrupt, please, you moral degenerates. — Tom S (@TallulahonEarth) January 4, 2015 Don't want my hometown team Oldham 2 sign unrepentant rapist. Dreadful signal 2 young fans. Sex abuse doesn't matter if U can play football. — Vera Baird (@VeraBaird) January 5, 2015 Some were just sick of the whole thing. Great. Another Ched Evans debate. Where everyone is so CERTAIN that they use phrases like END OF a lot. — ET (@EastStandUpper) January 5, 2015 And then there were these… Looks like Oldham Athletic may end up saying no to Ched Evans which he may well take as a yes. — David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 5, 2015 After a few drinks, Ched Evans would probably play for Oldham anyway, whether they wanted him to or not. — Sean Hegarty (@Sean_Hegarty) January 5, 2015

Source: SNAPPA