Why the fucking fuck is that rapist Ched Evans being released anyway?

As someone mentioned upthread, I can't see him being welcomed back to the club if he'd raped a man. Or a child.

Glovender would you maintain your view if this man had raped a 6 year old?

Would be great if FIFA would ban him for bringing the game in to disrepute, but that's not going to happen. That's what would happen if someone was jailed for a racist attack, but crimes against women are just fine

However.... in what way does having a conviction for violence against women, which is what rape is, qualify you to play football and, like it or not, set yourself up as a hero to young boys and girls?

This is not a knee jerk reaction at all. This is a considered debate about whether or not a man who has been convicted of rape, and who is out on licence should be signed back to a club, which has been the centre of a witch hunt for his victim without there being certain stipulations. No one has suggested he is hanged. This isn't the comments section for the Daily Mail. I am sorry you can't tell the difference.

lol

Ah.... that explains some things.

I feel pretty certain, Bland, that there isn't really a spirit of debate.

The case against professions for a rapist would surely depend on situations where previous convictions would demonstrate an unsuitability for that situation - ie caring for vulnerable women. That isn't in the remit of a footballer is it? This isn't a debate, it's a kneejerk outrage that makes no sense in terms of the law. This is one of those 'hanging is too good for them' rants and not an intelligent debate.

i don't think anyone has a problem with him being employed in general after release

it's being employed in this particular profession that people find problematic

Glove - there are many professions where this (and a range of other) crime would prevent someone from continuing to ply their previous trade. Whether football should be one if those professions is one of the points being debated. Whether people wish to continue supporting a team or sponsors who are involved with this criminal is their choice.

No it doesn't, Damon.

All footballers should be CRB checked is an opinion about the profession.

Footballers are part of the community by virtue of being players watched by the community is an opinion about community cohesion.

Why is this rapist not to be subject to the same circumstances as other criminals? Unrepentant individuals are released from prison every day and resume employment if they are able. This character may be unsavoury and his crime repellent, but I do not see why he should be treated differently from others in a similar position.

I fear that a campaign against the standard practice of rehabilitation and employment may not advance the general cause.

"If sponsors leave and people stop going they will soon get rid. "

Well I don't know about the sponsors but I very much doubt people will stop going.

Henrietta said -

Yes - all footballers should be crb checked.

You say it would be easy enough to ensure he did work that didn't involve him in the community. Not so. As soon as he steps on the pitch he becomes part of the community: football is a community game, and he will be a role model, and children will look up to him, whether he likes it or not.

Which does imply the opinion that being watched needs a CRB check...

"If simply being watched playing sport means a CRB check is needed "

No one said this.

If a club is happy to have a convicted rapist as it's public face then so be it. If sponsors leave and people stop going they will soon get rid.

The CRB check idea is clutching at straws. If simply being watched playing sport means a CRB check is needed - then I need one to compete in amateur athletics as there are always children present. Anyone, playing any sport, anywhere with any children spectating would need one as well.

I think emailing and writing to he sponsor is a completely legitimate thing to do with regard to this.

Is it ok on mumsnet to suggest that those angry about a convicted rapist returning to a high - profile 'job' could take the path of emailing both the club and sponsor - and the football association - with words to that effect - as someone earlier on said there is a condition in football known as bringing the game into disrepute, and the sponsor might not - should not - want their brand associated with said convicted rapist. At the least they should be publicly stating that this bloke did something evil. Which apparently they haven't.

Yes I know about the 'he's paid his debt to society' argument. The counter is there's really no such thing, it's a stupid idea. he's shown no remorse and is therefore a continuing danger to women. And his is a high-profile position which acts as a role-model to boys and men.

Yes - all footballers should be crb checked.

You say it would be easy enough to ensure he did work that didn't involve him in the community. Not so. As soon as he steps on the pitch he becomes part of the community: football is a community game, and he will be a role model, and children will look up to him, whether he likes it or not.

Ugh accidental early post

Meant to say:

Absolutely, I just don't happen to think the crb argument one is particularly strong.
I didn't say it was invalid or that it was wrong, just that its not one I agree with

"You can have more than one reason for an opinion, MQ."

Abs

*didn't want to be associated

i suspect the thing that would influence things one way or the other would be if advertisers and sponsors wanted to be associated. it doesn't seem to have bothered them so far (suarez etc), so not sure whether a rape conviction would make much difference

Capt - Whether it's a problem or not, football at its top level is morally corrupt. The issues is no one cares as long as the money roles in.

The FA, I don't believe, have any actual power to sanction a player for non football related behaviour. If they do, then it's not used, probably due to uncertain legal ground.

The blades aren't doing a public service. However, if Sunderland, Wigan or Real Betis signed him would it still be an issue. The petition just deals with Sheffield United.

Henrietta - All footballers should be CRB checked then in the interests of fairness.

Or if the team visit a school or do a community event, he doesn't go. Ultimately he is there to play football.