Photo: Wenn
The Beautiful South's Paul Heaton has resigned as patron of Sheffield United over their decision to welcome back convicted rapist Ched Evans.
Heaton wrote on his official Facebook page: "It is with great regret that I announce my resignation as patron of Sheffield United Community Foundation. I would firstly like to salute the bravery of my fellow Blades and patrons in resigning their positions and in particular Charlie Webster, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Lindsay Graham, in standing up for victims of rape everywhere."
Heaton explained that while he understands that Evans has served his debt to society, his return to the club is now welcome. "I firmly believe that Ched Evans has the right to rebuild his career in football but rebuilding a career should not involve walking straight out of prison and into the shirt of the club he so badly let down. I believe he needs to move away and move on, and the club itself needs to lift its reputation out of the gutter."
Heaton "As a way of showing a lead to others involved in this torrid affair, I will be donating my fee from this month's Sheffield City Hall gig to Sheffield Rape Crisis Centre. Finally, I would like to thank the Foundation for its continued hard work in the Sheffield community and wish them the very best for the future."
The post at time of writing has had nearly 30,000 likes.
Paul Heaton is currently on tour with fellow Beautiful South member Jacqui Abbott. They are performing the following dates:
21 November - Music Hall, Aberdeen
22 November - O2 Academy Newcastle
23 November - St George's Hall, Bradford
24 November - King Georges Hall, Blackburn
26 November - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
27 November - St Davids Hall, Cardiff
28 November - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
30 November - O2 Academy Glasgow
1 December - Parr Hall, Warrington
2 December - O2 Academy Leicester
4 December - City Hall Sheffield
5 December - O2 Apollo, Manchester
6 December - The Spa, Bridingyon
9 December - Bexhill De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill
10 December - Roundhouse, London
For tickets and more info click here.
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