Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/441179
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 JANUARY 2015 33 Sport FOOTBALL SPORTTODAY EDWARD FALZON JUST over a month after being re- leased from prison, former Wales striker Ched Evans is still look- ing for a chance to resume his football career after being turned down by former employers Shef- field United. Paola side Hibernians are said to have offered a deal. While Sheffield United initially had the intention of reinstat- ing Evans back into their squad, a petition from the club's most loyal fans had started to circulate around to send a clear message that he was not welcome back at the club. The idea of even con- sidering taking the player back at the club was being seen as a huge insult to the victim and other women who suffered under simi- lar circumstances. The main debate or argument against Evans resuming his ca- reer at Sheffield United or at any other English club is that a foot- baller for a high-profile club is considered a role model among the fans and young children fol- lowing the game and therefore it is considered a responsibilit y on the club in question not to allow him to take his place back. On his release from prison, 145,000 people agreed against reinstall- ing the player. Reports that current BOV Pre- mier League leaders Hibernians have offered a five month con- tract to Evans has also sparked a mixed reaction among the local football enthusiasts. Further- more the news of the possibilit y of Hibernians signing the player even prompted a reaction from Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Minister of Justice Owen Bonnici. Hibs' team manager sparked controversy on Friday night by declaring that the Paolites were 'quite close' to securing a short term deal with Evans. This came as a bit of a surprise to many with Hibernians proving their attack- ing menace by game boasting tal- ent such as Failla, Tarabai and Cohen. What is curious about the case is that many sites in the UK following the case is that Stephen Vaughan, who was originally a boxing promoter in Malta, is be- ing mentioned as the Hibernians' vice president. Vaughan needs no introduc- tion to Maltese football, having taken control of Floriana a few years ago, promising players be- ing brought over from England tax free wages. Before taking over Floriana, Vaughan was banned from English club Management as he had failed the FA director's test. Amid the controversy sur- rounding Vaughan, and with the player's agent stating that the re- ports linking Evans with Hiber- nians were false, it may not come as a surprise if it results to be a promotional move by Vaughan in order to get exposure in the me- dia. Evans was found guilt y of rap- ing a 19 year old woman in a ho- tel after a night out back in Oc- tober 2010 and was released after serving only half of his five year sentence. Putting his criminal record aside, Ched Evans boasts an impressive footballing CV, having played with well-known clubs such as Manchester Cit y, Norwich Cit y and more recently Sheffield United. Evans scored 43 goals in his 103 appearances. Before the scandal, Evans was also part of the Welsh National team. Controversy over possibility of convicted footballer joining local side Hibernians Ched Evans Ched Evans Timeline July 2009: Ched Evans signs for Sheffield United for £3 million from Manchester City. Evans scored 48 goals in 113 appear- ances over a period of three years. May 2011: Evans and a friend arrested in Wales on suspicion of sexual assault. April 2012: Evans is convicted of sexual assault and sen- tenced to five years. He was eligible for release after serving half his sentence. August 2012: Evans unsuccessfully appeals his conviction. April 2014: Sheffield United discussed the possibility of re- instating Evans back into their squad. Amid suggestions that Evans would eventually be joining the club, an online petition started demanding the club not to sign the convicted player. 11 November 2014: Upon his release, Evans started training with Sheffield United. As a result, distinctive members within the club resigned from their positions. 13 November 2014: Athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill publicly stated her disapproval of Evans being restored back into the team 20 November 2014: Sheffield United turn down chance to sign Ched Evans December 2014: Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic reject opportunity to sign Evans