Jessica Ennis-Hill wants name removed from stand if Ched Evans is re-signed
Olympic champion and Sheffield United fan Jessica Ennis-Hill has announced that she would want her name removed from a stand at Bramall Lane if the club were to re-sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.
The 25-year-old's former club revealed this week they would allow the ex-Wales international to train with them after serving half of a five-year prison sentence.
The controversial decision has attracted fierce criticism in the media and from the general public, while club sponsors also appear unhappy with the move.
It remains unclear if the former Manchester City man will sign a new deal with the south Yorkshire club but Ennis-Hill, who took gold for Great Britain on the night dubbed 'Super Saturday' at the London 2012 Olympics, would not want to see her name emblazoned on the Bramall Lane Stand which was renamed in honour of her achievements if Evans were to re-sign.
"Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic Heptathlon Champion, has communicated to Sheffield United that she would want her name removed from the Bramall Lane stand, which was re-named after her Olympic success in 2012, should Ched Evans be offered a contract to play for the club," a statement from the heptathlete read.
Although Blades' boss Nigel Clough has said a decision on whether a new contract would be offered to Evans was 'nowhere near', Ennis-Hill questioned a potential move.
"I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honor," the statement continued.
"Those in positions of influence in communities should respect the role they play in young people's lives and set a good example.
"If Evans was to be re-signed by the club it would completely contradict these beliefs."
Evans was conspicuous by his absence again when he did not turn up at United's training ground on Thursday.
He was not seen at the club's academy headquarters and nor were most of the Blades' senior players or staff following Wednesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat at Walsall.
Evans spent two-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted in April 2012 of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl.
