Evans to appeal rape conviction

Sheffield United and Wales striker Ched Evans is to appeal against his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room, his lawyers have said.

In a statement posted on the Yorkshire club's website, law firm Brabners Chaffe Street said that the 23-year-old striker, jailed for five years for the sex attack, "maintains his innocence" and would be appealing against the jury's verdict.

"Mr Evans firmly maintains his innocence in this matter and as such, we confirm that Mr Evans will be appealing the decision," the firm said in a statement posted on www.sufc.co.uk.

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