Following Oldham's late change of heart, Ched Evans has released a statement through the PFA making reference to 'that night in Rhyl'.
Evans has been criticised for not displaying any sympathy towards the victim and failing to condemn those who unmasked her on social media. Following the latest knock-back from Oldham, he has apologised 'for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.'
He said his earlier silence on the issue was due to legal advice and said this had been misinterpreted as arrogance.
I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.
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.
I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and 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.
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.
Remarkably, it has emerged that Oldham's decision not to go ahead with the Evans deal was due to 'threats of rape made Oldham staff and their families'. That's correct. People threatening rape to prevent a rapist signing for a club.
