The Oldham Athletic Supporters' Trust have urged their fellow fans to stop sending "extreme and unnecessary" threats to club staff amid the Ched Evans controversy.

The League One outfit have reportedly pulled out of a proposed deal to sign the convicted rapist, who was released from prison in October.

Evans has been in the hunt for a new club after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman at a hotel.

This week, numerous club sponsors informed Oldham that they will end their association with the Latics should Evans be signed, while reports have claimed that threats have been made to board members.

A statement from the Supporters' Trust said: "This is an emotive issue and as such we would ask that all members and fans respect the views of their fellow supporters in the general debate. You certainly have a right to free thought and free speech, but we would ask that you please try to avoid abusive comments and conduct.

"We would especially ask all fans and others to respect the staff of the club who have unfortunately been subjected to extreme and unnecessary attacks and threats whilst doing no more than their jobs."

The club have also been forced to deny that chairman Simon Corney has stepped down from his role.