Sheffield United have bowed to public pressure and blocked convicted rapist Ched Evans from training with the club.
The Blades made the decision after a number of high profile figures called for the club to change its original decision to offer its former player the facilities to get himself fit after his release from prison.
A statement said: "We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have not only to a fine and proud club, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the city we represent." The club added it had not anticipated the ferocity of the reaction to its decision.
Evans, 25, served half of a five-year jail sentence handed down following his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman in North Wales. He has so far failed to show any remorse for his actions.
Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Sheffield Hallam Nick Clegg took to Twitter: "A sensible decision by Sheffield United regarding Ched Evans. Step in the right direction."
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