Judy Finnigan branded 'disgusting' after defending convicted rapist Ched Evans on Loose Women debut

The 66-year-old star came under fire when she appeared to defend professional footballer Ched Evans, insisting his assault wasn't 'physically violent'

Judy Finnigan has been blasted after defending convicted rapist Ched Evans on Loose Women, saying his drunk sex attack on a teenager was NOT violent.The 66-year-old, who made her debut on the daytime talk show’s panel today, said the striker should be able to return to the pitch after serving his jail time.
Panelist Judy went on to describe Ched's hotel room rape of a 19-year-old girl as "not violent", appearing to play down the attack - which left the terrified victim having to relocate within the UK after she was threatened on social media.
Professional player Ched, 23, was jailed in 2012 for five years - he is expected to be released next week after serving under half of his sentence.

ITV

Judy made a controversial debut on Loose Women

A petition calling for the rapist footballer not to be given his job back at Sheffield United has hit the 100,000 mark.
It hit a total of 101,917 people as the Wales international - jailed for five years - prepares to walk free.
Professional Footballers’ Association chief Gordon Taylor says Evans should be allowed to play again.
He is due to be released from prison within days. But 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.
During his trial Evans 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.
The controversial comments led to outrage as social media users branded her “disgusting”.
One person wrote: “Did Judy just justify rape on loose women? SICK! It's ALWAYS wrong no matter what the circumstances are!! #LooseWomen (sic)”
“Can't believe that Judy has just said on Loose Women it wasn't a bad rape, ANY rape is bad & wrong! Disgusting,” commented another.
Scroll down to tell us what you make of Judy's comments

 

 Other tweeters said Judy should be “ashamed” for her remarks.
One person wrote in disbelief: “Cannot believe what @judyfinnigan has just said on Loose Women about Ched Evans, claiming he didn't cause bodily harm?! HE RAPED SOMEONE (sic)”
The former This Morning host has joined the Loose Women panel despite previously insisting she had retired from TV.
At the beginning of the programme, she said: “I was very euphoric in the summer. I almost finished [writing] my second book. When someone asked me to come on, I was like, ‘Yes, let’s have a bit of fun!’ “