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Rape conviction overturned for former Premier League player

Sheffield United v Chesterfield - npower League One

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 28: Sheffield United player Ched Evans celebrates after scoring his second goal during the npower League One game between Sheffield United and Chesterfield at Bramall Lane on March 28, 2012 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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LONDON (AP) A British court has overturned the rape conviction of former Premier League player Ched Evans and ordered a new trial.

The decision was announced Thursday by the Court of Appeal in London.

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Evans, a former Sheffield United and Wales striker, was in the packed London courtroom with his girlfriend when the verdict was read out.

The 27-year-old Evans was convicted in April 2012 of raping a 19-year-old woman at a hotel in Rhyl, north Wales.

[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ]

He was released from prison last year after serving half of his five-year sentence.

Evans had always maintained his innocence and took his case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.