Oldham's plan to sign Ched Evans collapsed after the League One club
pulled the plug on a deal for the convicted rapist following "death
threats" to fans, sponsors and staff.
Evans, 26, was released from jail last October after serving half of a five-year prison sentence for rape and had hoped to resume his career with the third tier team.
But chief executive Neil Joy confirmed Oldham will not be signing the former Wales and Sheffield United striker due to "unbearable pressure" including on the club's finances with sponsors threatening to sever ties.
This March 17, 2013 file photo of footballer Ched Evans at Sheffield United. Photo / AP.
"It has been widely reported that Oldham Athletic will not be signing Ched Evans, which we can now confirm," Joy said in a statement.
"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."
- Public outcry and an apology - of sorts-
Oldham owner Lee Corney had told the Jewish Chronicle that there was an "80 per cent chance" of Oldham signing Evans on Tuesday.
But news of Oldham's interest in Evans sparked local outcry, with over 65,000 people signing a petition against the move.
Oldham's sponsor Verlin Rainwater Solutions threatened to end its involvement with them if they signed him.
It is the second time a club have pulled out of a deal to sign the striker since his release from prison in October.
Sheffield United also decided against giving him a second chance after initially letting him train with the club.
They withdrew their offer in November after 165,000 people signed a petition against the convicted rapist.
Evans was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl in 2011 and remains on licence.
Since his conviction, his victim, who has a legal right to anonymity for life, has moved home five times as online trolls repeatedly tracked her down and revealed her new identity.
"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," Evans said.
"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.
"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."
Evans, 26, was released from jail last October after serving half of a five-year prison sentence for rape and had hoped to resume his career with the third tier team.
But chief executive Neil Joy confirmed Oldham will not be signing the former Wales and Sheffield United striker due to "unbearable pressure" including on the club's finances with sponsors threatening to sever ties.
"It has been widely reported that Oldham Athletic will not be signing Ched Evans, which we can now confirm," Joy said in a statement.
"The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result.
"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."
- Public outcry and an apology - of sorts-
Oldham owner Lee Corney had told the Jewish Chronicle that there was an "80 per cent chance" of Oldham signing Evans on Tuesday.
But news of Oldham's interest in Evans sparked local outcry, with over 65,000 people signing a petition against the move.
Oldham's sponsor Verlin Rainwater Solutions threatened to end its involvement with them if they signed him.
It is the second time a club have pulled out of a deal to sign the striker since his release from prison in October.
Sheffield United also decided against giving him a second chance after initially letting him train with the club.
They withdrew their offer in November after 165,000 people signed a petition against the convicted rapist.
Evans was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl in 2011 and remains on licence.
Since his conviction, his victim, who has a legal right to anonymity for life, has moved home five times as online trolls repeatedly tracked her down and revealed her new identity.
"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," Evans said.
"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.
"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."
