MX23RW : Friday, November 8 17:56:48| >> :600:420446:420446:

Oldham council leader: 'Ched Evans transfer saga has divided town'

Jim McMahon, the leader of Oldham council, claims that convicted rapist Ched Evans's proposed move to Oldham Athletic has left the town feeling "divided".

Oldham council leader Jim McMahon has called on members of the public to "show some restraint and calm" in the wake of news that Oldham Athletic have decided against signing convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Reports emerged earlier this week revealing that the League One outfit were keen to sign the Welshman, although it was announced this morning that the club had opted out of making a move due to a public outcry.

On the back of sponsors withdrawing their backing from the Latics, as well as a fan petition building momentum, it was decided that a deal could no longer go ahead.

"I've always believed in rehabilitation but felt that both club and player should have allowed Mr Evans's appeal to run its course before agreeing a contract," McMahon said in a statement. "As it stands Mr Evans has been found guilty in a court of law and has not yet completed his sentence. However, I take no pleasure in this outcome.

"The whole episode has divided the town and public opinion and there are no winners in all this - not least of all the reputation of our club and town.

"In recent days we've seen an horrendous 'trial by social media' with intimidation, abuse and harassment on a scale that has cast a terrible shadow. I am urging people on all sides of this debate to please now take stock, show some restraint and calm."

Evans was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a woman in 2011.

ID:197714: cacheID:197714:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2557:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ched Evans smiles during the Wales training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against England on March 25, 2011
Read Next:
Oldham sponsor severs ties with club
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1York City1610512891935
2Forest Green RoversForest Green16104229131634
3Barnet16110534201433
4Gateshead1610332819933
5Oldham AthleticOldham168622517830
6Rochdale1683525151027
7Yeovil TownYeovil167452015525
8Solihull MoorsSolihull167362325-224
9AltrinchamAltrincham166552320323
10Halifax TownHalifax166551816223
11Eastleigh166552423123
12Sutton UnitedSutton166462424022
13Dagenham & RedbridgeDag & Red165652617921
14Southend UnitedSouthend165652019121
15Hartlepool UnitedHartlepool165651516-121
16Tamworth166371927-821
17Aldershot TownAldershot164662125-418
18Woking164571823-517
19Maidenhead UnitedMaidenhead164482026-616
20Fylde164392036-1615
21Braintree TownBraintree163491119-813
22WealdstoneWealdstone162681425-1112
23Boston UnitedBoston1624101529-1410
24Ebbsfleet1614111436-227


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!