ONE fears that Fred Evans will soon be forgotten about now that the Commonwealth Games has got under way in Glasgow.

The 23-year-old has been denied the chance to add another medal to the Olympic silver that he won at London 2012, although the reason why is still not clear.

All that we know is that the decision was made following checks by the Home Office and Commonwealth Games officials.

We have been left to assume that it is down to Evans' conviction for assault last April following an incident in a lap-dancing bar.

That we are left to guess why an athlete has been barred from competing is a shambles; the reasons should have been made crystal clear.

And if Evans has been prevented from competing in Glasgow because of his conviction then, while admittedly it is of his own making, it will be scandalous.

Perhaps in time this defence of the former St Joseph's fighter will be made to look foolish – and it was described as a "gratuitous and unprovoked" attack – but at present it seems he is being punished for a matter that has already been dealt with by the courts.

There are plenty of heart-warming sporting stories about individuals thriving after being given another chance following their misdemeanours.

That's especially the case in boxing where participants aren't blessed with the same opportunities as many others that join them in the Athletes' Village.

Yet while David Millar, who served his punishment for being a drugs cheat, is allowed to try and deliver home success on the bike, Evans cannot step into the ring.

But just like the mix-up at Hampden Park in 2012 that saw North Korean footballers shown next to the image of a South Korean flag, attention will soon turn elsewhere.

Evans, meanwhile, has to pick up the pieces if he is to avoid his undoubted talent going to waste.