Sheffield United have announced that convicted rapist Ched Evans can no longer use the club's training facilities.
The Welsh striker returned to the Blades, following the clubs consultation with the Professional Footballers' Association, after serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
However, four club patrons have since left the club while British Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill also asked for her name to removed from a stand at Bramall Lane if Evans was to return to the club on a full-time contract.
"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," read an official Sheffied United statement.
"The Club initially accepted a request from The PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced."
It added: "The Club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms. The Club is aware that Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse via the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the determination he has to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.
"During this whole period, we have been served a timely reminder of what we have been throughout our history: Sheffield United is a Family and Community Club that, even in times of adversity, will remain strong and grow from its experiences."
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