Judy Finnigan has been branded "disgusting" by Twitter users for defending convicted rapist Ched Evans on today's episode of Loose Women.
Finnigan, 66, spoke out in support of Evans, saying the rape wasn't violent and that he'd "served his time".
She said: "He's served his time. The rape – and I'm not by any means minimising any kind of rape – but the rape was not violent. He didn't cause any bodily harm to the person."
She went on to draw attention to the fact that the victim had "had too much to drink".
Finnigan said public opinion would be different if Evans had been imprisoned for a crime other than rape.
She said: "Supposing it wasn't rape, which is so emotional and sort of complicated. We all have huge feelings about it. Women have huge feelings about it. Supposing he was in for...breaking and entering, or something like that, and he had served his time. What would you think then?
"It's worth thinking, isn't it, that he actually still denies his guilt. You can look at that from two ways. You could look at that and think, 'Right, well, he's not sorry, he hasn't admitted any remorse.' Or you could think he feels he didn't do it so he wants to become rehabilitated in his own way.
"I think everything depends basically, of course, on whether the club wants him back, but more importantly perhaps, whether the fans want him back. And I think he would have to brave, if he does go back, he would have to brave an awful lot of comments obviously from the fans who were there."
She concluded: "Someone's done a crime, they serve their time, and when they come out they shouldn't be punished for the rest of their lives."
It wasn't long before viewers took to Twitter to offer their opinions on Finnigan's comments.
Judy Finnigan defending a rapist? 'it wasnt a violent rape' 'she had a lot to drink' WOW. Rape is rape darling, get a grip. #shocking
Hi @judyfinnigan. Just a heads up- all rape is violent. It is a bodily violation. And no amount of alcohol in the world negates that fact.
#judyfinnigan ought to refrain from ever giving her opinion on serious matters like rape as I'm fairly certain she's completely ignorant.
The more you read of Judy Finnigan's comments the worse it gets. She says he'd have to be 'brave' to go back and play football.
Judy Finnigan is the reason that some rape victims do not report for fear of being blamed. What a disgusting woman, she should be ashamed.
Ched Evans is a disgusting cretin. How DARE Judy Finnigan say: "But the rape was not violent." RAPE IS RAPE, JUDY. Moron.
My God Judy Finnigan! Sometimes women are a woman's worst enemy. How can anyone possibly defend a rapist? Idiot. #rapeisrape #JudyFinnigan
Outrageous comments by Judy Finnigan down playing the nature and effects of Ched Evans' rape on his victim. #LooseWomen Disgraceful
@loosewomen #JudyFinnigan What a disgrace your comments on #rape. The issue is not with 'drunk' women but the men who rape. @EverydaySexism
A spokesman for ITV said: "Loose Women is a daily talk show centred around topical debate and frank discussion. Opinions are expressed and exchanged from a mix of viewpoints."
Ched Evans, 25, was jailed for five years in 2012 following the rape of a 19-year-old girl in Denbighshire. He has served less than half of his sentence.
