• Football

Ched Evans blames 'mob rule' for move breakdown

Ched Evans has blamed "mob rule" for the breakdown of his potential move to Oldham Athletic.

Evans had earlier issued a "wholehearted apology" for the effects of his actions in 2011 but continues to maintain his innocence over his rape conviction, with his proposed signing for Oldham having fallen through due to the uproar that has surrounded the negotiations.

On a statement published on his personal website, Evans added that "mob rule" had won the day and that he could not pursue a contract at Oldham as it may have jeopardised the building of a new stand at the club's Boundary Park ground.

Evans' statement read: "The most significant issue for me was that owing to the threat of funding opportunities being withdrawn, which may jeopardise the building of Oldham's new stand, it would mean that workers would lose their jobs and others would be put at risk - that would simply not be fair.

"Sadly the 'mob rule' tactics employed by the more radical elements of our society and the constant media reporting has had the desired influence on some sponsors and the club would face significant financial pressure if I joined them."

Earlier on Thursday, Evans said in a statement released via the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA): "I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.

"Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question. This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.

"I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.

"Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so."

Later on Thursday, the club issued a statement to confirm it would not be signing Evans and that staff members had been subjected to abuse.

It read: "The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result. Proceeding could have placed significant financial pressure on the club and continued to be a divisive influence. As a consequence the deal could not go ahead.

"As a club we condemn all crime including rape and irrespective of any appeal procedure it was always the case that we were prepared to withstand the barrage of abuse that is evident within the country and on social media.

"We deplore and condemn the vile and abusive threats, some including death threats, which have been made to our fans, sponsors and staff whilst this process has been in the public domain.

"Finally, we would like to place on record our gratitude to all who have supported the club during this difficult period, including the club staff, who have retained their focus throughout and in addition to Ched and his team who have acted with professionalism at all times."

Club representatives also denied a report that chairman Simon Corney had quit. It comes just a day after joint-owner Corney said there was an "80 percent" chance of Evans, 26, being signed.

The Oldham Athletic Supporters' Trust later issued a statement saying some of the club's staff members had received threats and abuse.

It read: "This is an emotive issue and as such we would ask that all members and fans respect the views of their fellow supporters in the general debate. You certainly have a right to free thought and free speech, but we would ask that you please try to avoid abusive comments and conduct.

"We would especially ask all fans and others to respect the staff of the club who have unfortunately been subjected to extreme and unnecessary attacks and threats whilst doing no more than their jobs."

As part of Evans' initial statement, the PFA also clarified its position: "We have had some discussions with Oldham Athletic regarding the interest they expressed in signing Ched, although we feel it is important to make clear that, contrary to what has been reported, we were not 'driving' any deal.

"As we understand it, the club and player were in discussions and contact was then made with the PFA as matters progressed given the particular circumstances of this situation and we were simply being asked to publicly reiterate our support for the club in signing him.

"Despite being ready to offer this from the outset, we were asked to delay whilst discussions between the club and player continued, and we were disappointed to see over the course of this week, comments being made which we feel mischaracterise our limited role in this matter.

"The PFA's position remains the same, as we have expressed previously, that any club which decides to sign him would receive our support. We fully recognise that this is a delicate and emotive case and entirely respect that there are opposing views. However, we always felt it was important that Ched made some further comment regarding his current situation."

Jim McMahon, the leader of Oldham council, confirmed the deal was off and said the issue had caused "intimidation, abuse and harassment."

McMahon said in a statement: " I've always believed in rehabilitation but felt that both club and player should have allowed Mr Evans' appeal to run its course before agreeing a contract. 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.

"We want to see Oldham Athletic prosper and that's why we backed plans to redevelop Boundary Park to secure a positive future.

"I also believe that Simon Corney has the best intentions and ambitions for the club as its owner. I hope he and other board members now take stock and consider the wider interests of the club as a part of the community and as an ambassador for Oldham.''

Evans was released from prison last October, halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman.

Corney believes Evans "has served his time" and said the decision to give the player a chance had been agreed unanimously by all six members of the Oldham board - despite vociferous opposition and sponsors severing ties with the club.

It is the second time Oldham have pulled out of a deal to sign the striker, whose chances of finding a new team willing to take him on now appear limited. Sheffield United also decided against giving him a contract after initially agreeing to let him train with the club.

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