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Jessica Ennis-Hill is 'glad' she spoke out against Ched Evans reinstatement, despite receiving rape threats
The Olympian described the experience as a “stressful time”
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Your support makes all the difference.Jessica Ennis-Hill was sent Twitter rape threats after making a stand against the potential reinstatement of convicted rapist Ched Evans to former club Sheffield United.
However, she doesn’t regret her decision to voice her opinion.
The Olympian announced in a statement in November that she would want her name removed from the Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stand if he were to be re-signed. The footballer had begun training with the club the same week, sparking widespread debate over whether or not he should be allowed to return to the club.
“I said what I wanted to say and how I felt,” she told ITV News.
“It wasn't about putting pressure on the club; it was solely how I felt in that position being associated with the club.
“It was a bit of a stressful time but I'm glad I said what I felt.”
United has since retracted its offer of training. Evans was freed in October after serving half of his five-year sentence. He was convicted of raping an inebriated woman in a hotel room in 2011.
The footballer has continuously claimed his innocence, claiming that the sex was consensual.
Nick Clegg said Evans should not have been allowed to return because of his position as a role model.
Labour MP for Sheffield Central Paul Blomfield published a public letter challenging Evans’ return, writing that it “sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence about how we view rape”.
Three patrons of the club, including Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster, have resigned following Evans' new involvement with the club.
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