The case of convicted rapist Ched Evans and his desperate search for a football club following his release from prison has become a drawn-out and rather tawdry affair. It is an argument that seems to have divided opinion.
Evans was a successful footballer playing for Sheffield United and Wales when convicted of the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room.
He has always protested his innocence but was found guilty and given a five-year jail term. He served half the sentence before being released late last year.
The drawn-out saga saw him start training at his old club, Sheffield United, before they had a change of heart after public protests.
This week, Oldham Athletic went through the very public process of deciding whether to sign the striker.
In the end, after more protests and petitions, they decided it was not a good idea.
Supporters of Evans argue that he has served his time and should be allowed to continue his trade, which just happens to be football, now he has been released. And they add, just for good measure, that he is not guilty anyway.
This is wrong. He is guilty until a court or appeal judges decide different.
There is no way he should be allowed to play football professionally after being convicted of rape.
He would be a role model for children and young men and have the crowd chanting his name.
Of course, he can work again in other fields, but not football. The same would be true in other high-profile jobs, such as acting or TV presenting, for example.
Frankly, the only surprising aspect is that football clubs have sunk low enough to think that it might be acceptable to employ someone convicted so recently of rape.
Would Leicester City fans want anyone convicted of such a heinous crime playing for them – even if it kept them in the Premier League? We would hope not.
