Ched Evans: Nicola McLean defends football rapist in shock Twitter rant

NICOLA MCLEAN has defended footy rapist Ched Evans in an astonishing Twitter rant.

SUPPORT: Ched Evans has received the backing of Nicola McLean in his bid to return to the game

The glamour model rushed to Evans' defence after thousands slammed Oldham Athletic amid reports the club are set to sign the convicted rapist.

Evans was jailed in 2012 for sexually attacking a 19-year-old girl following a night out in Wales.

McLean tweeted: "OK let me get this right! After you leave prison are you not allowed to get a job?

"Or is that rule reserved only if you kick a ball ?"

The former I'm A Celeb contestant then compared Evans to several other sportsmen who served time in prison – including boxer and actor Mike Tyson.

"Mike Tyson 3 years for rape went straight back to boxing and a movie star #rolemodel? and he maintains his innocence," she continued.

Maria Fowler also joined the debate, saying the rules should be "the same across the board".

Oldham manager Lee Johnson has admitted the League One club are in a very difficult situation over Evans' potential return to the game.

ROW: Ched Evans' potential signing has caused outrage around Oldham Athletic

Over 20,000 people have signed an online petition urging the club not to sign the former Sheffield United and Manchester City striker.

A club statement, released on Monday evening, said the club were not ready to make an announcement on Evans' potential signing.

It read: "Whilst acknowledging the considerable media attention, we continue to have conversations with representative bodies such as the PFA and will conduct due diligence with regard to any decision we make on this matter."

Labour leader Ed Miliband has said he would not hire the Welshman if he was in charge at Oldham.

"He hasn't shown remorse and I wouldn't take him on," the politician said.