ENGLISH LEAGUE ONE club Oldham Athletic are facing a fierce backlash over their proposed move to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Over 22,000 people have signed an online petition opposing the move since it went live on Sunday.

“This is a damaging message about rape and sexual consent to be giving to your fans,” the petition addressed to club chairman Simon Corney reads. “Please think again.”

Evans, 26, was expected to complete the deal on Monday but the BBC reports that Oldham are now considering a u-turn in the wake of the public opposition. An announcement is not expected until Tuesday afternoon.

Evans served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He maintains his innocence and his case is currently under review.

He was released from jail in October 2014 but has found his attempts to return to professional football blocked by public pressure on clubs and their sponsors.