Former professional footballer Ched Evans sparked a national debate after he was allowed to train with Sheffield United, just over two years after being convicted of rape.
The 25-year-old was released from prison last month after serving half of his five year jail sentence for raping a 19-year-old girl in a hotel in May, 2011.
Evans’ return to the pitch has caused controversy, with more than 160,000 people signing a petition demanding he should not be allowed to return to the sport.
Olympic gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill recently came out and condemned the decision for him to play again, adding she wants her name to be taken down from the stand at Bramall Lane if Evans is to return to the club.
MM took to the streets of Manchester to ask Mancunians:
Should Ched Evans be allowed to be play football again?
| YES | 40% |
| NO | 60% |
Joe Mathen, a warehouse worker, from Manchester, strongly believes everybody deserves a second chance and that if somebody has served their punishment then they should be allowed to continue with their lives.
The 28-year-old said: “Yes, I believe so. The lad has served his time and already received his punishment. You can’t then punish him again by not letting him get back into football and not earn a living.
“There’s no denying what he did was wrong but I’m someone who believes the lad should have a second chance.”
John McCarthy, 37, who works as a motor trader from Dublin also agreed.
He said: “He’s done his punishment so why shouldn’t he?
“The judge ordered him to a sentence and he’s served it so you can’t just carry on punishing him for the rest of his life. Like everybody else, he has to earn a living.”
Not everybody was of the same opinion however, as Elliot Egington, a support worker from Salford, admitted, whilst it was tough to decide, he swayed more to the feeling that he shouldn’t return to the sport.
“It’s a tough one because he’s still saying he didn’t do it and I suppose he’s served his punishment,” said the 40 year-old.
“But at the end of the day he was found guilty and it’s tough for him to be become a role model for the younger generation. It would probably be wise if he didn’t play again.”
CONTROVERSIAL: Julie Goodwin says he’s served his time so why not?
Adam Aisthorpe, a translator now working in Germany, shared the opinion of Elliot but expressed his view more strongly.
The 23 year-old said: “No, definitely not. How can he be allowed back into football after what he has done?
“Footballer’s are supposed to be role models and it’s impossible for him to be that now after what he did.
“I take the point that he’s served his time but there’s just too much publicity on him now and I don’t think it would be sending out the right message.”
Steph Jones, 20, currently studying at Manchester University, was strong in her view and said:“ No, I think it’s ridiculous, I can’t believe it’s even being contemplated.
“It’s crazy to think that he could be getting paid a fortune to play football again whilst other people who have committed nowhere near a crime that bad are struggling.”
NO: Ashraf Hussain says he would be surprised if Evans was to return to the sport
Ashraf Hussain, an I.T technician from Leeds believes he shouldn’t play again, and would be surprised if any club wanted to sign him.
The 39-year-old said: “Because he was found guilty I think it would be wrong for him to play again.
“At the moment he’s labeled toxic and I don’t think a club would want to sign him anyway because of the bad publicity that would surround them.”
Mollika Kiyle, 34, a mother, originally from Australia and just visiting the city, said: “No, not for me, he committed a very serious crime and I don’t think he’s been punished enough, bearing in mind what he did.
“Footballers are supposed to be role models so how could you let him back in – it would be sending out completely the wrong message.
“I know people should be allowed a second chance but on this occasion, because of the seriousness of the crime, it would be disappointing if he was allowed back in.”
James Murphy from central Manchester and an Estate Agent disagreed.
“In my opinion if it was any other profession then he’d probably be allowed back in so why shouldn’t he be allowed to play again,” said the 27-year-old.
“I do understand other peoples point in that it would send out the wrong message and it doesn’t look good, but he’s served his time and like everybody else he has to earn a living somehow.”
TRADING PLACES: Sonya Hanratty says if her daughter was the victim, she would be deeply disappointed to see him return to his job
Sonya Hanratty, a postal worker who was visiting the city from Darlington, was of the opposite view.
The 48-year-old said: “I think a bit more respect should be shown to the victim and if it was my daughter I wouldn’t be happy that he was allowed to play again.
“I also think it would be wise not to because of the amount of publicity that he’ll get.”
Julie Goodwin, 52, from Cheshire, felt there shouldn’t be a problem in him returning, but admitted he would be under a lot of scrutiny.
“Personally I think he should,” said the admin worker. “He still says he didn’t do it and to be honest he’s already been punished so why not.
“I must admit, though, I’m a bit surprised that he wants to come back because of all the bad press and abuse he will get from fans. He’ll be a brave lad if he does because there’s definitely going to be a lot of conflict there.”
Main image courtesy of BBC, via Youtube, with thanks.
