Ched Evans's conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman has been quashed today - but he now faces a fresh trial.

The footballer was found guilty in 2012 of raping the woman at a hotel in Rhyl, North Wales.

Lady Justice Hallett, one of the country's most senior women judges, announced she and two other judges were overturning the conviction today.

But she ordered that Evans face a retrial, for which the case will be sent back to a Crown Court.

The former Sheffield United player has been unable to find a new team since his release from prison - but those working with him may seek to convince a club to sign him following today's decision.

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Ex-footballer Ched Evans emerges from London's appeal court today with his girlfriend Natasha Massey. He faces a retrial over a rape charge after his previous conviction was quashed

Evans later released a statement thanking Ms Massey for her 'unconditional love, belief and support'

Evans released a statement thanking his girlfriend Natasha Massey for her 'unconditional love, belief and support'.

His statement said: 'We all welcome today's decision by the Court of Appeal... however, there are no winners and no celebration.

'Ched would like to place on record his thanks to the judiciary for carrying out a detailed process, repaying his faith in the legal system.'

A shorter version of the statement was later posted stressing that 'the legal process has not reached a final conclusion'.

His statement came after Lady Justice Hallett said she and her fellow judges had heard 'fresh evidence' during the appeal hearing on March 22 and 23.

She said: '[Evans] appealed to this court against conviction... on the basis that relevant and admissible evidence has come to light, that was not available at trial, and that undermines the safety of his conviction.'

Evans' girlfriend Miss Massey entered the court alone this morning. Evans was in court with his family

Lady Justice Hallett announced Evans' conviction was quashed at London's Court of Appeal this morning

The judge added: 'In summary, we have concluded that we must allow the appeal and that it is in the interests of justice to order a retrial,' she continued.

FULL STATEMENT RELEASED BY CHED EVANS TODAY A statement released on Evans' website reads: 'We all welcome today's decision by the Court of Appeal. 'Ched would like to thank all of his family, friends, legal team and football supporters from around the country especially those of Sheffield United for their support, encouragement and belief. 'Today's decision and the whole process could not have been possible without the unconditional love, belief and support of Natasha and both families. However, there are no winners and no celebration. 'Finally, Ched would like to place on record his thanks to the judiciary for carrying out a detailed process, repaying his faith in the legal system. 'No further statements will be made, but we would respectfully request that Ched, Natasha, their families and others affected are now given time and space to start rebuilding their lives.' The statement was later replaced with a shorter version which stressed 'the legal process has not reached a final conclusion'. Advertisement

The court quashed Evans's conviction and declared: 'The appellant will be retried on the allegation of rape.'

Evans was granted bail while his new trial is arranged.

The former Sheffield United player has always denied his guilt. He was released from prison two years ago after serving half of his five-year sentence.

The ex Welsh international was present in the packed London courtroom with his girlfriend by his side to hear the result of his conviction challenge today.

Around 20 members of the 27-year-old's family were also in court to hear the ruling by the three appeal judges.

None of the group celebrated after the judges ruling was delivered and they all remained quiet.

At his trial, Evans insisted that he had consensual sex with the woman after a night out.

The prosecution said the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse.

His conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal for review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.

Earlier this year, senior judges Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison previously heard submissions from Evans' lawyers and the Crown over two days.

The decision appears to have given hope to the family of Adam Johnson, who is also planning an appeal

Evans and Miss Massey returned home to their house in Cheshire this afternoon following the hearing

The couple were later seen heading out as Evans again prepares to face a Crown Court trial over the incident

Evans' girlfriend Natasha Massey has stood by him and accompanied him to the appeal court hearing last month. The couple now have a child together.

COULD EVANS'S QUASHED CONVICTION PAVE THE WAY FOR HIM TO RETURN TO THE PITCH? Evans's career was effectively ended by his conviction, after a string of clubs refused to sign him following protests by fans. His fans will now hope the fact that he is awaiting trial - rather than a convicted sex attacker - could see him return to the pitch. League One Oldham Athletic were previously said to be keen on signing the Wales international but the deal was called off after pressure from sponsors and alleged death threats to board members. His licence conditions, which continue until next year, also forbid him from working abroad and scuppered a potential move to a Maltese club last year. Sources close to the player said today that he is concentrating on his family life and has not thought about playing football. Advertisement

His successful appeal today appears to have given hope to another jailed footballer, Adam Johnson, who plans to appeal his conviction for sexually touching a 15-year-old fan.

Johnson's sister Faye, who has been leading a campaign which claims her brother is not guilty of the charged, posted a tweet today with a hands clapping emoji next to news of Evans's appeal.

The 'Adam Johnson's Appeal Fight' page on Facebook, believed to be supported by Miss Johnson, also posted the message: 'Great news on Ched Evans winning his appeal. Let's hope he gets justice this time! Good luck to you and your family x'

Johnson - who is currently serving a six-year sentence for the child sex offences - also plans to appeal his sentence, which his lawyers claim is 'excessive'.

At Evans' trial, Port Vale defender Clayton McDonald, 23, who also admitted having sex with the victim, was found not guilty of the same charge.

The woman who was allegedly raped by Evans has been repeatedly targeted by social media trolls who have breached her legal right to anonymity.

Lady Justice Hallett made clear today that: 'The identity of the complainant in this case must not be reported.'

Evans' lawyer said he is 'extremely grateful that the Court of Appeal has ruled that his conviction was unsafe'