Charlotte Henry

Even rapist footballer Ched Evans deserves a second chance

There has been a rumbling row for a while about Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans. He was found guilty of rape and has served his time, but now many people say he should not be able to resume his career as a professional footballer.

This is based on the idea that being a footballer is a privilege, and makes him a role model, and that by committing such a vile offence he has lost that privilege. His crime was indeed despicable, but as a female football fan, I think he should be allowed to go back to playing.

If I were a Sheffield United fan I wouldn’t want his name on my replica shirt but, having served the time, Evans does have the right to reintegrate and begin working again. What use is rehabilitation and prison otherwise?

If people think it’s going to be a luxury for Evans to return to football, they can rest assured he will have a horrible time from opposition fans for the rest of his playing days.

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