Former Sheffield United and Wales striker Ched Evans has been offered a route back into football - in Malta.
The 26-year-old convicted rapist had an offer to train with League One United withdrawn in November after his release from prison following strong opposition. Other English clubs including Tranmere and Oldham also rejected the chance to sign him.
However, Maltese side Hibernians FC, who are top of the country's domestic league, say they have made an offer to Evans for the remainder of the season.
Club vice-president Stephen Vaughan, the controversial former Chester City owner, told Sky News: "The bottom line is Ched Evans has been punished for previous misdemeanours.
"We are looking at signing Ched Evans the footballer.
"We are looking for a centre-forward that can find the back of the net, and we believe Ched Evans fits the bill."
Mr Vaughan, who was disqualified from acting as a company director for 11 years in 2009 for his involvement in an alleged £500,000 VAT fraud and was jailed in 2011 for attacking a police officer, said he was "very confident" of doing a deal to sign Evans.
"If someone offers you a cheap Ferrari, you're gonna drive it," Mr Vaughan said.
Malta's Justice Minister, Owen Bonnici, intervened in the controversial attempted signing, tweeting: "Ched Evans should be given a second chance.
"If we believe in rehabilitation of ex-prisoners we should practice what we preach."
However, the Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat appeared to immediately contradict this line.
A statement issued by his office said: "Footballers are role models and the decision by Hibernians will not only define the club but also, to a certain extent, Malta.
"The PM hopes that the decision by the club's management takes this into consideration before the final decision."
The technical director Hibernians FC, Jeffrey Farrugia, told Sky News Evans' rape conviction would not be a problem for the club.
"He paid for what he did so for us it is not an issue," he said.
"We'll open the doors for him to come over here and start his career again in international football."
Mr Farrugia, who described Evans as a "glorious player", said it would be a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills.
"It will be good for him to come to Malta and pay at least 26 games," he said. "Many clubs I am sure will go for him."
Evans is keen to resume his playing career after being released from prison in October.
He served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He claimed she had agreed to have sex.
He was initially given permission by Sheffield United to train with them at the request of players' union, the Professional Footballers Association.
But following a backlash from supporters, sponsors and patrons, including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill, the club changed their mind.
Ennis-Hill, who comes from Sheffield and has a stand named after her, said: "I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honour and those in positions of influence should respect the role they play in young people's lives.
"If Evans was to be re-signed by the club it would completely contradict these beliefs."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Rapist Ched Evans 'Deserves Second Chance'
Dengan url
http://terjunbebasopan.blogspot.com/2015/01/rapist-ched-evans-deserves-second-chance.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Rapist Ched Evans 'Deserves Second Chance'
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Rapist Ched Evans 'Deserves Second Chance'
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar