Sheffield United co-chairman Jim Phipps believes mob-like behavior has ultimately denied Ched Evans the chance to train with the club.
The 25-year old striker was released from jail last month after serving half of his five-year sentence for rape and was set to return to training with the Blades in a bid to keep fit for the next chapter of his football career.
However, famous United ex-players and supporters pushed hard against Evans' proposed comeback to Bramall Lane which forced the club's hand according to Phipps.
"The influence of sometimes mob-like behaviour has made it considerably more difficult to take the simple step of allowing Ched to train and allowing the club to act in according to the principals that we've articulated," said Phipps.
"I would tell you that, in the statement we made last night, that we've tried to temper the principles that we've articulated, by adding a component of prudence - all right, it's going to be too costly to proceed in this fashion for the long-term interests of the club.
"I'm not talking there about money - I'm talking about feeling, goodwill. The motivation of our fans and players - the essence of what we are as a club. It was going to be too costly. I know so many of our fans have said to me that they are so bored of this issue.
"Call it a mess of our making - happy to take responsibility for that. We have now reached the end of that piece and I'm happy to take responsibility."
