League One outfit Sheffield United have retracted the opportunity for former striker Ched Evans to train at the club.
The 25-year-old, who was convicted of rape in 2012, recently started training with the Blades after being released early from prison.
A number of public figures stepped down as patrons at Bramall Lane in recent weeks, including Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, television presenter Charlie Webster and musician Paul Heaton.
A statement on the Sheffield United official website read: "Following the statement dated 11th November and after ongoing and extensive deliberation, Sheffield United Football Club has decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the club's facilities for training purposes, as was previously intended.
"Members of the board have consulted dispassionately with the club's supporters, vice presidents, Community Foundation members, executives, staff, sponsors and other relevant stakeholders in order to help it reach this decision.
"Also, the club has been diligent in communicating with The Football Association, the Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association (The PFA), the Football Association of Wales and the National Probation Service to take further soundings.
"We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have not only to a fine and proud Club, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the City we represent."
Evans was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman two years ago, and was handed a five-year prison sentence before being released in October this year having served half of it.
Giuseppe Labellarte
