The BBC have responded to disgruntled viewers who were angered by Mark Lawrenson's apparent suggestion that convicted rapist Ched Evans is becoming a "victim".

The 26-year-old has struggled to find a new football club following his release from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.

At the weekend, while on Football Focus, Lawrenson said: "It's become a circus. Sometimes you're actually thinking, is he a victim? Its just been madness."

According to the Daily Star, a spokesperson for the BBC has responded to the furore by stating: "Mark was contributing to a wider discussion in which he was highlighting the media frenzy this week. In no way was he claiming Ched Evans was the victim, which is apparent in the full context of the conversation."

League One side Oldham Athletic were close to signing the Welshman, but they pulled out last week after board members and their families received "vile" threats.