Speculation: Ched Evans, you decide

[Mr Angry]

The guy has served his time, so he should be allowed to pursue his career; isn't that the idea of our criminal justice system?

Whether any club is willing to take on the bucket loads of negative publicity by taking him on is a separate issue.

Personally, I wouldn't want him at our club.

[notloyalenuffroyal]

He has been convicted of a very serious crime, he has completed his sentence, and he is entitled to seek employment. The question is the relevance of his offending to the occupation (we assume) he's seeking.

Women's refuge - clearly the crime is relevant and he could not be employed there.
Bus driver - probably OK. He can't be debarred from roles just because there might be women co-workers or contact with the public.
Taxi driver - clearly not. Would need to drive women who are on their own.
Footballer - well, it ticks many of the boxes - almost exclusively male environment so little working alone with women, no direct relevance to the crime. The problems are it's typically well paid and has a high profile. You have to decide if these two things are enough to put it in the same category as taxi driver. I'd suggest not.

Teacher?
Youth worker?
Public relations?

I am not a holier than thou merchant, but currently this man has been convicted of a crime. It may be over-turned. It hasn't been in 2 and a half years.

If he applied to work as a teacher or to work in a school at the moment he would not be able to do so. As RFC has (at a guess) over 1000 people under the age of 16 within it's structure and attending games I would think it is highly inappropriate for this young man to work in a position of this kind.

Have all convictions quashed and his name cleared, then I would see no reason why he should not be employed in these fields again.

[RoyallyFcuked]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

[notloyalenuffroyal]

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

No. But it should perhaps affect some of the professions that he chooses. Recognising that our mistakes have consequences is part of being who we are.

Your opinions earlier in your post states he may not have been guilty, we surely have to go with the jury who found him guilty and 2 courts who have said he has no grounds for appeal.

I do think it is good his new legal team are opening up a different avenue as it is clearly still a matter that has a lot of questions rather than full answers, but I hope we could trust 12 members of a jury to try and get things right.

Would I want to explain to my kids why fans are singing songs about him raping someone? No. Therefore I hope we would never sign him, and don't really ever want to see him at the Mad Stad in opposition either.

[Norfolk Royal]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

You really didn't follow that case very closely to be honest.

[wiggso]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

You are typical of the victim blaming society we live in feeling sorry for the CONVICTED rapist. Why is there more chance of him telling the truth? Why do you feel such distain for the woman and back the rapist?...oh yeah, looking at the picture on your profile it becomes clear. Your motivations and opinions worry me deeply.

"For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets." no, he was convicted in a court of law by a jury.

[SCIAG]

Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

This isn't a case of his word against hers. His own account, as well as Clayton McDonald's, are what has done him in.

Probably thought she could make money out of him or something.

Except she's actively avoided doing so?

He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them.

Women nearly unconscious on hotel beds are often quite willing to be raped, so I understand his confusion

("Forcibly" is redundant in the above sentence. If there isn't consent then it's rape, simple as)

[Mr Optimist]

The part that I still struggle with his loloyal girlfriend claiming that Ched is such a good guy and a great character that he couldn't possibly have raped the girl. Yet, she can forgive the same good guy who has, in her's and Ched's version of events, consensual sex with a stranger in a local Premier Inn behind her back. Presumbaly this would have been fine so long as he carries on paying for their luxury home and lifestyle.

[sandman]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

Ever considered changing your username to RoyallyFcukingStupid.

[wiggso]

The part that I still struggle with his loloyal girlfriend claiming that Ched is such a good guy and a great character that he couldn't possibly have raped the girl. Yet, she can forgive the same good guy who has, in her's and Ched's version of events, consensual sex with a stranger in a local Premier Inn behind her back. Presumbaly this would have been fine so long as he carries on paying for their luxury home and lifestyle.

This...this is the part you struggle with? this behaviour is the behaviour you struggle with? not the rape, no, but the girlfriends behaviour.
She is the one with the questionable morals...not the rapist
What other women can we blame on this thread?
His mother?
His Gran?
Joanna Lumley?
Janice Battersby?
The Queen?

Anyone but him.

[Mr Optimist]

Yes, that's correct. I am not struggling with the fact he is a convicted rapist, that is a fact after all. Maybe you have misinterpreted what I have said, I am not condoning in any way his actions that night. I don't see why his girlfriend would still want anything to do with him, even if, in his eyes, he believes the only thing he is guilty of is being a consenting seedy lowlife behind her back. What would it take for het to grow a backbone?

[semtex1871]

I think there needs to be differing levels of rape conviction.

Having sex with someone who has had a few beers where there is no sign of physical force and some nutter dragging a girl down an alley and subjecting her to an horrific ordeal should be classified as the same offence. Much the same as killing someone has different classifications.....

I stand by my belief that what happened in this instance was not rape and I sincerely hope this conviction gets overturned on appeal.....

[Norfolk Royal]

I think there needs to be differing levels of rape conviction.

Having sex with someone who has had a few beers where there is no sign of physical force and some nutter dragging a girl down an alley and subjecting her to an horrific ordeal should be classified as the same offence. Much the same as killing someone has different classifications.....

I stand by my belief that what happened in this instance was not rape and I sincerely hope this conviction gets overturned on appeal.....

That means you're an idiot basically.

[Winston Smith]

I think there needs to be differing levels of rape conviction.

Having sex with someone who has had a few beers where there is no sign of physical force and some nutter dragging a girl down an alley and subjecting her to an horrific ordeal should be classified as the same offence. Much the same as killing someone has different classifications.....

How many levels?
What would they be called?
would any of them have the word 'jolly' in?

[Davezk]

A drunk girl can't give consent technically. I'm sure many of us have done it with girls under the influence. Could that be construed as rape?

Not defending Ched Evans though.

[Norfolk Royal]

A drunk girl can't give consent technically. I'm sure many of us have done it with girls under the influence. Could that be construed as rape?

Not defending Ched Evans though.

I don't know how many more times this has to be said on this thread, but the central issue for the jury was how drunk the girl was. They had to decide whether she was merely under the influence but sufficiently in control of her mind to be able to give consent, or whether she was so insensible that she was not capable of making such a decision. If they decided she was too insensible to make that decision they would then have considered whether Evans should have known that.

They would have also taken into account the actions of Evans, and legging it away through the back of the hotel was never going to help him.

[RoyallyFcuked]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

You are typical of the victim blaming society we live in feeling sorry for the CONVICTED rapist. Why is there more chance of him telling the truth? Why do you feel such distain for the woman and back the rapist?...oh yeah, looking at the picture on your profile it becomes clear. Your motivations and opinions worry me deeply.

"For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets." no, he was convicted in a court of law by a jury.

I never said that DEFINITELY was the case, I just said he couldve been unlucky. So a jury convicted him? Sorry has a jury never been wrong before? Of course they are going to throw the book at someone being accused of rape.

So apparently when he saw her he knew/should have known she was too drunk to consent to anything. I still wouldnt say there's any real proof he did or should have done. Whether she was or wasnt, he should have known better than to try anything which is why I said he made a mistake.

I will hold my hands up though, I probably didnt follow the case closely enough to say what I did and was perhaps a little harsh. I shouldnt have said it without knowing a bit more. But like I said, no one knows the whole story. Also, one of you said its his and McDonald's account that got him convicted? Bottom line is he said that it was consensual, so not sure how that makes sense.

I have reason to believe these things can happen though. To tell the truth, there was a rape case not far from where I live a few years ago, the guy got convicted and began an 8 year sentence. Around 2 years later, fresh evidence arose and it was PROVEN the girl had been LYING. So forgive me for thinking there's two sides to every story.

I've got nothing against the girl or anything like that, and certainly dont view women in the way your suggesting. As for my profile pic well, I think your reading too much into it. I only recently changed my pic to that and its just banter m8. A model wearing an RFC shirt, what's not to like? Sorry if you don't like it, calm down.

[RoyallyFcuked]

Ever considered changing your username to RoyallyFcukingStupid.

And your name should be SADman, I told you this ages ago.

[YateleyRoyal]

Ever considered changing your username to RoyallyFcukingStupid.

And your name should be SADman, I told you this ages ago.

Sick burn, dude.

[wiggso]

If the guy proved himself I can't say I wouldnt want him here. Its about footballing ability. He's been out of the game for over 2 years but probably at least played in a prison team. Sadly for him, people are very quick to judge even when they know fcuk all about a situation and they arnt going to want him anywhere near their club.

He's going to get a shit load of abuse at every ground he plays at. Feel a bit sorry for him tbh, his career and life will never be the same, and he might not be a bad person at all. Who even knows what happened? Only himself and the girl (doubt the girl even remembers). He maintains his innocence and I'd say there's at least as much chance that he is telling the truth as there is her. Its not really fair for us to say.

IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets. Probably thought she could make money out of him or something. He could have misjudged her and the situation. It's a bit different to attacking a woman and forcibly raping them. Of course I'm not saying that is the case, and if he did do actually do it then he's been lucky to only get the time he got.

I believe in second chances though. Either way, he made a mistake. But should that ruin his life?

You are typical of the victim blaming society we live in feeling sorry for the CONVICTED rapist. Why is there more chance of him telling the truth? Why do you feel such distain for the woman and back the rapist?...oh yeah, looking at the picture on your profile it becomes clear. Your motivations and opinions worry me deeply.

"For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets." no, he was convicted in a court of law by a jury.

I never said that DEFINITELY was the case, I just said he couldve been unlucky. So a jury convicted him? Sorry has a jury never been wrong before? Of course they are going to throw the book at someone being accused of rape.

So apparently when he saw her he knew/should have known she was too drunk to consent to anything. I still wouldnt say there's any real proof he did or should have done. Whether she was or wasnt, he should have known better than to try anything which is why I said he made a mistake.

I will hold my hands up though, I probably didnt follow the case closely enough to say what I did and was perhaps a little harsh. I shouldnt have said it without knowing a bit more. But like I said, no one knows the whole story. Also, one of you said its his and McDonald's account that got him convicted? Bottom line is he said that it was consensual, so not sure how that makes sense.

I have reason to believe these things can happen though. To tell the truth, there was a rape case not far from where I live a few years ago, the guy got convicted and began an 8 year sentence. Around 2 years later, fresh evidence arose and it was PROVEN the girl had been LYING. So forgive me for thinking there's two sides to every story.

I've got nothing against the girl or anything like that, and certainly dont view women in the way your suggesting. As for my profile pic well, I think your reading too much into it. I only recently changed my pic to that and its just banter m8. A model wearing an RFC shirt, what's not to like? Sorry if you don't like it, calm down.

Your immediate reaction was to back the rapist, even though the jury found him guilty after all the evidence, you jump on this this as there once was a case where there was once a case you heard about where the girl lied.
You were not "thinking there's two sides to every story", you were defending the rapist and questioning the girl - "IMO the guy could have been unlucky. For all we know the girl was pissed out of her head, consented and then cried rape when she started having regrets."
Don't say "Calm down" like I'm over reacting. Its because of rape apologists like you and your opinions that 60% of rapes go unreported to the police - https://www.rainn.org/statistics - poor victims are petrified of being called liars by an angry mob of mouth foaming victim blaming mysogonists.