Ched Evans has issued an apology to the women he has been convicted of raping.

In a statement on the PFA’s website, the former Sheffield United striker said: "Whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Ryl had on many people, not least the woman concerned."

James Dart, Digital Editor of @guardian_sport, tweeted an image of the statement before the PFA's website crashed this afternoon: 

Ched Evans statement via PFA http://t.co/yxqEl06KnG pic.twitter.com/tPRsyXNcDA

— James Dart (@James_Dart) January 8, 2015