Ched Evans has apologised "for the effects that night has had" on the woman he was convicted of raping, in a statement issued following the collapse of his move to Oldham.
Evans was released from prison last October, halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman. He has always maintained his innocence and until today he had never issued an apology of any sort.
He is currently awaiting the results of his appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
This afternoon, Oldham confirmed that a deal to sign Evans was not going ahead, following "enormous pressure and threats to staff and their families."
This came just a day after Oldham's joint owner Simon Corney said there was an "80%" chance of the convicted rapist being signed. That news had prompted an outcry from supporters and sponsors.
Oldham had held extensive talks with the PFA over the proposed signing of Evans and there had been reports that he and the club had agreed personal terms, with a two-and-a-half-year deal being suggested for the Wales international striker.
In his statement this afternoon, issued via the PFA, Evans said he wanted to "wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.
"Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question. This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.
"It has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so.”
Oldham have since released a statement which read: "It has been widely reported that Oldham Athletic will not be signing Ched Evans, which we can now confirm.
"The whole issue has divided opinion and the Club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result.
"Proceeding could have placed significant financial pressure on the Club and continued to be a divisive influence. As a consequence the deal could not go ahead.
"As a Club we condemn all crime including rape and irrespective of any appeal procedure it was always the case that we were prepared to withstand the barrage of abuse that is evident within the country and on social media.
"We deplore and condemn the vile and abusive threats, some including death threats, which have been made to our fans, sponsors and staff whilst this process has been in the public domain.
"Finally, we would like to place on record our gratitude to all who have supported the club during this difficult period, including the Club staff, who have retained their focus throughout and in addition to Ched and his team who have acted with professionalism at all times.
"We understand Ched has released his own statement on his website.
"The club will not be making any further statement on this matter."
