Ten convicted footballers that returned to the game in some capacity following their arrest…
BBC reports have confirmed that Hartlepool boss Ronnie Moore would like to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans. According to the source, Evans, 25, was released in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011.
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The news has been met with a public outcry, with an anti-Evans campaign having already put off former club Sheffield United in re-signing the Welsh striker, and while Hartlepool have since ruled out a move fro Evans, he’d be far from the first footballer to return from an act of wrongdoing.
Below are ten of the most infamous incidents of footballers who returned to the game in some capacity after serving a prison sentence:
10) Callum Flanagan & Mads Timm (Manchester United)
The United duo were convicted for the same incident where they were street racing. Flanagan served eight months in prison and was sacked by the club, while Timm served twelve months and briefly returned before being released.
9) Peter Storey (Retired)
The former Arsenal and England star, who is now manager of has been convicted of running a brothel, car theft, counterfeiting, smuggling pornographic movies and disorderly behaviour – serving a combined time of 5 years, 2 months.
8) Graham Rix (Chelsea)
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder served twelve months for underage sex and indecent assault, while he was also placed on the sex offender’s register for 10 years. He is now the manager of A.F.C. Portchester.
7) Jermaine Pennant (Birmingham City)
Received a 90 day sentence for drink driving whilst banned. Was released after 30 days and returned to playing for Birmingham, albeit with an electronic tag strapped round his ankle.
6) Luke McCormick (Plymouth Argyle)
Sentenced to over seven years for driving with excess alcohol, and causing death by dangerous driving. Became eligible for parole after three-and-a-half years and eventually return to Plymouth, becoming club captain last season.
5) Jan Molby (Liverpool)
Served three months for reckless driving, and then returned to playing for Liverpool before finishing his playing career with Swansea City. The Danish international’s last job in football was as manager of Kidderminster.
4) Marlon King (Barnet, Gillingham, Watford, Wigan)
Sentenced multiple times, and twice served a period of 18 months behind bars – once for handling stolen cars, and more recently for sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Most recently played for Birmingham and Sheffield United.
3) Eric Cantona (Manchester United)
Sentenced to two weeks for assault. He was released after 24 hours and the original sentence was later overturned in favour of 120 hours community service after appeal.
2) Tony Adams (Arsenal)
Sentenced to four months for drunk driving, but was released after just 57 days. Retired from playing for the Gunners in 2002, and has since managed Wycombe, Portsmouth and Gabala.
1) Joey Barton (Newcastle United & Manchester City)
Twice charged with assault. Served four months during his time with City, and six months during his time with Newcastle. Now playing for Queens Park Rangers, still in the Premier League.
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