Ched Evans returns to football despite awaiting retrial for rape

He has signed a one-year deal with Chesterfield.

Disgraced footballer Ched Evans is to return to football after spending half of his sentence in jail for the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman. The Welsh footballer served two-and-half-years of his 5-year sentence in prison after a successful appeal of his sentence. According to SportsJOE.ie, Chesterfield FC signed the ex-Manchester United player for a one-year deal which will commence on July 1.

Spireites sign striker Evans. Details here: https://t.co/4kDWk49jvL pic.twitter.com/ijQdgLeHpT

— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) June 20, 2016

Ched is due to stand a retrial in October to be cleared of the rape allegations that surfaced in 2012. Chesterfield FC spoke of their delight in signing the new player on their website:

"We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals. "Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court’s decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer"

Given the Welshman's past conviction, Twitter users were quick to point out the obscenity of signing a player who awaits a retrial for rape.

Ched Evans has signed for Chesterfield!? Makes me SICK that he has been allowed to play pro again! — SW (@bigwillyking) June 20, 2016

So @ChesterfieldFC have signed up #ChedEvans despite the fact that he's on trial again for rape, disgusting apologist fuckheads.

— -_- (@Ellwynnnnn) June 20, 2016

Ched Evans still hasn't been cleared yet. Still a lot of rape apologists appearing because he signed for a football club. Okay then — Ethan Wood (@ethan_wood__) June 20, 2016