Over the last decade, I have questioned whether or not the bodies that govern our beautiful game even understand what ‘morals’ really are. The word was mentioned with regard to the Ched Evans case, where an MP said it was morally wrong for Ched to be allowed back into professional football.

I played with Ched for Wales and we were involved in many international camps. Ched is a very talented player and someone I got on well with. Like the other players, as well as the staff, I was drawn towards his funny personality.

When the story came out, I was shocked. Then I started to think – being a father to a daughter, a brother to a sister and a son to a mother – that if he is proven to be guilty, could I feel comfortable knowing someone in my changing room was a convicted rapist?

The FA have allowed players convicted of killing someone, as well as other life-impacting crimes, back into the privileged life of being a footballer.

I believe in people getting second chances but I feel that in a professional environment where – rightly or wrongly – you’re perceived by some as an idol or role model, the governing bodies need to respect the morals of the justice system and show leadership by having something in place that not only protects the integrity of the sport but also people within the sport.

Then everyone would know where they stood, rather than this constant cloud of uncertainty.

In America, if there’s a case that is severe enough and you are proven guilty, the governing bodies intervene and revoke all rights from the athlete to be able to compete in professional sport.

I’m now working within women’s football and I am witnessing how much of a vital role they play, not only on the pitch but within football, and I think it’s even more important to have something in place.

Rightly or wrongly, Ched Evans – and any football club associated with him – is receiving a lot of negative press. If the FA was to show some sort of leadership and try to keep up with the times there wouldn’t be all this media hype and, one way or another, Ched would be able to get on with his life.

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