Former Liverpool defender and TV pundit Mark Lawrenson has controversially questioned if convicted rapist Ched Evans is "a victim" of a media circus.

Evans looked poised for a return to football with Oldham Athletic, but the Latics pulled out of a deal for the Welshman after death threats were made against club officials.

However, Lawrenson has suggested that the disgraced forward may have been a "victim" in the saga.

He told BBC Sport: "It's become a circus and sometimes you're actually thinking - is he [Evans] a victim as well? It's just been madness.

"There's no argument that the FA need to come out with guidelines. They have been conspicuous by their absence.

"There should be something set down - you can't go anywhere near people like Ched Evans until everything has been resolved."

Earlier this week, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor courted controversy after he compared the media perception of Evans to the reaction after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

Evans was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year rape sentence.