Hello,
We just wanted to let you see the text of a letter that was sent to Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PFA, a couple of days ago. The letter was co-signed by Justine, Holly Dustin of the End Violence Against Women coalition (one of our 'I Believe You' partners), and teacher Leo Hardt, whose Change.org petition to ask the PFA to remove Ched Evans from its League 1 Team of the Year has nearly 22,000 signatories.
The letter reads:
"We write to you expressing our concerns at Ched Evans' inclusion in your League One team of the year, just two days after his conviction for the rape of a teenage girl.
A change.org petition calling for Evans' removal from the list currently has almost 15,000 signatures. Campaigns on Facebook, Mumsnet, Twitter and numerous other websites are growing on an hourly basis, supported by thousands who believe that you have acted wrongly in this instance.
It is not good enough to say that the decision to keep a convicted rapist on an award list such as this one can be attributed solely to performance on the pitch, with complete disregard for such a serious criminal conviction.
Football holds a privileged position in the UK's national psyche; you have a responsibility to ensure that footballers make a positive contribution to the sport and wider society. This means ensuring that a footballer who commits a serious crime and is convicted for that offence, is not then the recipient of an honour or award. We urge you to reconsider your decision and withdraw the award from Ched Evans.
We note your previous statement that the PFA does not seek to condone Evans' actions by including him in this list, but it is obvious from the strength and volume of opposition to this award that this sentiment is disingenuous at best.
Over recent years we have seen positive action taken across the footballcommunity to tackle the issue of racism in the game and among some supporters. We feel the issues of sexism and sexual violence now requires similar attention and effort.
Last week you were quoted as saying 'If he had been removed from the team it would have created more of a storm.' We hope that the response from thousands of people across a number of social networks has sent a clear message - Ched Evans has no place in your team of the year.
We request a response from you as a matter of urgency."
And some further quotes from Justine and Holly:
"Mumsnet users feel very strongly that the PFA were wrong to honour Ched Evans only two days after his conviction for rape. They were also disgusted that his victim was outed online and many hundreds posted their support for her. Our 'We Believe You' campaign aims to expose the type of rape myths perpetuated by some of Ched Evans' supporters and we very much hope the PFA will listen to the strength of feeling both on Mumsnet and expressed via this petition." (Justine Roberts)
"The PFA must think again about its decision to include convicted rapist Ched Evans in its end of season honours list.
Football fans, and especially young people, look to successful football players as role models. Such recognition from the PFA sends a message that off the pitch behaviour, whatever it be, does not matter, when it clearly does.
We want the PFA and FA to show leadership by running an ongoing 'kick sexism out of football' campaign. This case also shows the urgent need for football authorities and individual clubs to work with women's groups to run anti sexual violence programmes. PFA and FA leaders should have a vision of the sport as one which is fully inclusive and safe to watch and play for all members of the community." (Holly Dustin, EVAW Coalition Director)
Thanks
MNHQ