Paul Heaton became the latest Sheffield United patron to resign from the club yesterday over convicted rapist Ched Evans's return to the club on a training basis.

Evans was released last month after serving half of a five-year sentence for rape.

In a statement released on Facebook, Heaton commended the actions of former patron Charlie Webster, who resigned last week, and Jessica Ennis-Hill who wants her name removed from a stand at Bramall Lane should Evans be offered a contract.

Heaton said: "It is with great regret that I announce my resignation as patron of Sheffield United Community Foundation.

"I would firstly like to salute the bravery of my fellow Blades and patrons in resigning their positions and in particular Charlie Webster, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Lindsay Graham, in standing up for victims of rape everywhere.

"I firmly believe that Ched Evans has the right to rebuild his career in football but rebuilding a career should not involve walking straight out of prison and into the shirt of the club he so badly let down.

"I believe he needs to move away and move on and the club itself needs to lift its reputation out of the gutter."

Heaton then revealed that he would contribute a month's wages to Sheffield Rape Crisis Centre.

"As a way of showing a lead to others involved in this torrid affair, I will be donating my fee from this month's Sheffield City Hall gig to Sheffield Rape Crisis Centre," he said.

"Finally, I would like to thank the Foundation for its continued hard work in the Sheffield community and wish them the very best for the future."

Immediately after the statement was released, the musician was met with abuse from people on social media.