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Rapist Ched Evans issues video statement | Rapist Ched Evans issues video statement |
(35 minutes later) | |
Footballer Ched Evans has released a video statement in which he says he is "determined to continue the fight" to clear his name. | Footballer Ched Evans has released a video statement in which he says he is "determined to continue the fight" to clear his name. |
The Wales international, 25, was released from prison on Friday after serving half a five-year sentence for raping a woman in a hotel room. | The Wales international, 25, was released from prison on Friday after serving half a five-year sentence for raping a woman in a hotel room. |
The former Sheffield United star also said he wants to return to playing football. | The former Sheffield United star also said he wants to return to playing football. |
He has so far declined any request to be interviewed by the BBC. | He has so far declined any request to be interviewed by the BBC. |
However, in the statement on his personal website, he said: "I made an incredibly foolish decision and failed those people who trusted and believed in me, most of all Tasha and our families. | |
"It is a rare and extraordinary privilege to be permitted to play professional football. | |
'Second chance' | |
"Now that I have served the custodial part of my sentence of two and a half years it is my hope that I will be able to return to football. | |
"If that is possible then I will do so with humility having learnt a very painful lesson. I would like second chance but I know not everyone would agree." | |
Evans was found guilty of rape and jailed for five years for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel near Rhyl, Denbighshire in May 2011. | |
In his video statement Evans claims the sex was "consensual in nature and not rape" and does not offer any apology to his victim. | |
There has been controversy about whether Evans should resume his career in football. | |
Almost 150,000 people have signed a petition urging Sheffield United not to take the Wales international back. | |
The Professional Footballers' Association said he should be allowed to play again after serving his sentence. | |
United manager Nigel Clough said he had held talks with club officials about the possibility of Evans returning. | |
The League One club signed the player for £3m in 2009, but released him the month after he was convicted of rape. |
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