Loose Women panelist Judy Finnigan has described Ched Evans' drunken sex attack on a 19-year-old girl as "not violent", appearing to play down the attack - which left the victim so terrified, she had to relocate.

Another added: "I'm appalled at Judy - ALL rape is a violent violation. Coming from a woman & mother what message is she sending? #LooseWomen shame on you!"

"Can't believe that Judy has just said on Loose Women it wasn't a bad rape, ANY rape is bad & wrong! Disgusting #LooseWomen" raged another viewer.

BBC FORCED TO DEFEND RAPE STORYLINE

Nicola McLean also waded into the debate, writing furiously: "Watching loose women do all the women no all the facts about ched Evans? It's making me [angry]."

During his trial Evans, 23, admitted having sex with the woman but she told a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court she had no memory of the incident – and the prosecution said she was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse.

Following the case the victim’s name was circulated on Twitter and Facebook, while abuse was also launched by some people who called her names. Another tweet also called for members of the public to track her down.

However Evans was jailed in 2012 for five years - and he is expected to be released next week.

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DEBATE: IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REALLY THE SAME IF A WOMAN IS THE PERPETRATOR?

Now a petition calling for the rapist footballer not to be given his job back at Sheffield United has hit the 100,000 mark.

Jean Hatchet, who started a charge.org petition, said: “I’m sure he and his supporters are hoping he can quietly slip back into the position of privilege he held before."

What do you think of Judy Finnigan's controversial comments?