(CNN)He's an unemployed former English Premier League footballer who is desperate to resume his playing career. But while several clubs have signaled their interest in offering convicted rapist Ched Evans a second chance, public opinion in Britain is proving an almost insurmountable stumbling block for the 26-year-old. Since his release from prison after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old girl, debate has raged as to whether Evans should be allowed to resurrect a high-profile career within the sport. Even the leader of the British Labour Party -- the UK's main opposition political group -- has weighed into the debate, asking whether a sporting role model should be offered a contract by a club.
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Lower league Oldham deciding whether to sign Ched Evans
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Evans was released from prison after serving rape sentence
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Player maintains his innocence and wants to clear his name
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Evans has already been rebuffed by two other clubs
Oldham
More than 27,000 people have put their names to a petition calling on the club not to sign him in the space of 24 hours, with @placeholder forced into a series of crisis meetings to further examine the issues.
Oldham
"It would send out an entirely inappropriate message to young fans and victims of sex crimes for him to be signed by @placeholder or anyone."