In a bold move that has been celebrated by women's rights supporters, TV presenter Charlie Webster resigned from her role as Sheffield United patron after convicted rapist Ched Evans was controversially invited back to train with the football club.
Webster, a women’s rights campaigner and a survivor of sexual assault herself, disagreed with the decision to allow Evans to play again, saying Sheffield United had not acknowledged the extremity of his crime.
Speaking on Newsnight, she said her decision was based on her belief that Evans should not represent the community. She's not alone: 150,000 people also signed a petition demanding that Sheffield United refuse to sign him.
"He's not just going into a job, he's bandied as a role model and we cheer him on as a role model, and he's influencing the next generation of young men who are currently still making their decisions on how to treat women and what sexual mutual consent is," she said.
Webster added that she hopes her decision will make an impact. "I've spoken quite a few times now and now I'm here speaking to you. I'm trying to, I suppose, give victims of sexual abuse a voice because I think in this day and age, in 2014, we're a rich society – rich in education as well – and still there isn't an education on mutual consent."
Webster then talked about how women don't always speak out about sexual assault because of the abuse that they receive as a result.
Her point was proven right: After she tweeted about the support she'd received from fans, the response from many Sheffield United fans on Twitter was abusive.
@CharlieCW I am overwhelmed by your hypocrisy, your in the minority with the real fans. Do not darken the lane with your presence ever again
@CharlieCW no sheff Utd fan I know cares what you do!!! Dont think you will be missed #chedwynscominghome!!!
Many claimed that she "will not be missed".
@CharlieCW vast majority that ain't even blades good riddance you free loader you did nothing for the club anyways so bye bye
@CharlieCW no sheff Utd fan I know cares what you do!!! Dont think you will be missed #chedwynscominghome!!!
That her leaving will "save us some money" in the long term.
@CharlieCW the club will be a better place without you. You will save us some money in the long term. No free ticket and food #pissoff
Is @CharlieCW going to get us promoted?.... Is she fuck!!!!!
Watched @CharlieCW on news night, I'm ashamed she was ever associated with our club, thank fuck she's resigned!! #sufc
@mrsjanemcguire @CharlieCW fuck off you ain't no blade, stand by the club no matter what and support who ever wears the red&white #sufc
There was explicit abuse targeting Webster for taking a stand.
@CharlieCW no one gives a toss what u think so fuck off moaning u silly bitch
@CharlieCW I'll order you a taxi now so you can fuck off...That's as polite as I can be to a hypocritical stupid woman like you #sufc #evans
Women have "no place in football", according to some fans.
@CharlieCW you silly bitch get a fucking grip! Women have no place in football!! Get fucked off you have no idea
HAHAHA BYE CHARLIE WEBSTER FUCK OFF
Some disregarded Evans' conviction on the grounds that he can win the club promotion.
Charlie Webster can fuck off she can't win us promotion and get us where we're supposed to be, Ched can that's the difference.