Sheffield United have overturned their offer to former player and convicted rapist Ched Evans to use their facilities for training purposes.
The club's decision to allow Evans the opportunity to train sparked controversy, with high profile supporters of the club such as London Olympic athlete Jessica Ennis outraged.
But tonight, the English club said it had a responsibility as a 'fine and proud club' with 125 year of history to the communities it represents.
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 25-year-old was released last month after serving half of a five-year jail sentence following his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman in Rhyl, North Wales.
The statement said that members of the board had consulted dispassionately with supporters, vice presidents, Community Foundation members, executives, staff, sponsors and other relevant stakeholders in order to help the club reach the decision.
It added: "Also, the club has been diligent in communicating with the Football Association, the Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association (the PFA), the Football Association of Wales and the National Probation Service to take further soundings.
"The club initially accepted a request from the PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced.
"As noted in previous statements from the club, the legal system of this country provides for both the punishment and the rehabilitation of every person who has been found guilty of a crime.
"Sheffield United will not be used to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, as has been the wont of certain sections of the media and various commentators. In addition, we remain disappointed at some of the inaccurate reporting, misinformed views and commentary, as well as the actions of a minority of individuals on social media. Professional footballers must be treated as equals before the law.
"The club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms. The club is aware that Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse via the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the determination he has to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.
"During this whole period, we have been served a timely reminder of what we have been throughout our history: Sheffield United is a family and community club that, even in times of adversity, will remain strong and grow from its experiences."
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