Rapist footballer Ched Evans IS a 'role model' says family

THE family of rapist footballer Ched Evans have defended the former Manchester City star, describing him as a "role model".

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The 25-year-old is due to be released from jail this week after serving half of his five year prison sentence.

And his family believe he has been "incredibly disciplined" during his time behind bars.

In a statement published on his website, they wrote: "Much has been said about the 'role model' label given to Ched by the media, Ched believes in his fight for justice, believes in fighting for what he knows is right, has been incredibly disciplined to maintain his fitness and has learnt from this whole incident, isn't that being part of a role model[?]"

The Welsh international was jailed in April 2012 for raping a teenager in a hotel room after the court heard the woman was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse.

Evans' release and integration back into football has become a hot topic of discussion over the past week.

Former talk show host Judy Finnigan came under fire after she defended Evans' crime, claiming it was "not violent."

TROLL ATTACK: Chloe Madeley has defended mum Judy Finnigan

Speaking on Loose Women, she said: "He's served his time. The rape and I am not, please, by any means minimising any kind of rape - but the rape was not violent. He didn’t cause any bodily harm to the person."

Her comments sparked national outrage, causing long term husband Richard Madeley to call the police in fear of an attack from sick internet trolls.

After receiving hundreds of threats online, her daughter Chloe Madeley defended her yesterday, saying: "To believe that my mother is pro ‘non violent rape’ is ridiculous and I am shocked that so many people have jumped to this conclusion."

Judy later released a statement of apology to help clear up some of her comments.

She said: "I absolutely wasn't suggesting that rape was anything other than an horrendous crime and, as I said on the programme, I was in no way attempting to minimise the terrible ordeal that any woman suffers as a result,” she said.

"I apologise unreservedly for any offence that I may have caused as a result of the wording I used."

Evans, who has always denied his offence, is thought to be released from prison before the weekend as talk surrounding his return to football heats up.

Nick Clegg told LBC Radio that the owners of his former club Sheffield United, who are considering resigning him, have a tough decision ahead of them.

He said: "It is for the football club to decide, but I really do think that footballers these days, they are major public figures who have a public responsibility to set an example for other people.

"I'm sure that will weigh heavily in the decisions made by the owners of Sheffield United."