Oldham have pulled out of a proposed deal to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans after reports of death threats to members of staff and their families.
The club had already been put under "intolerable pressure" from their sponsors, reports the Daily Telegraph. "But it was reports of threats to staff and their families that may have proven the final straw... There were even suggestions one director was told the address where his daughter worked and that she would be raped if Oldham proceeded."
The dramatic turnaround came hours after the club's owner, Simon Corney, told the Jewish Chronicle that there was an "80 per cent chance" that they would sign the player and launched a strong defence of the 26-year-old striker, who served half of a five-year prison sentence for the offence committed in 2011.
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Since his release last year, Evans has become a cause celebre in the football world, with opinion divided on whether he should be allowed back into the sport. Some say his crime, and his refusal to acknowledge his guilt, make him persona non grata. Others believe that having been released from prison he should be allowed a fresh start.
Corney told the Chronicle: "We believe he has served his time... There might be a cost implication, but you have to stick to your principles."
The issue had already led to problems with Oldham's sponsors who were unhappy about the negative publicity. The Guardian reports that on Wednesday Verlin Rainwater Solutions disassociated itself from Oldham, the company issuing a statement in which they said: "We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message."
Nando's, the restaurant chain, also severed ties with Oldham and another sponsor, ZenOffice, threatened to pull the plug if Evans signed for the League One club, warning: "This partnership has been based on mutual respect as OAFC did share the same values as ZenOffice, based on family and community. ZenOffice do not agree that the path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values."
Corney had said the discussion should remain calm and rational. "I hope people don't get too carried away and it doesn't get too hot," he told the Chronicle. "I completely understand people's views and I respect them. I would never tell people they are wrong to have their own views. But we want people to keep them in check."
However, there were angry scenes outside the club's ground, Boundary Park, on Thursday where supporters gathered to find out if the deal was to go ahead.
