MUSICIAN Paul Heaton has received a barrage of abuse on social media over his decision to resign as a patron of Sheffield United over the Ched Evans rape row.
Mr Heaton, who lived in Hull for 20 years and famously formed the Housemartins and the Beautiful South, decided to step down after the club allowed convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with them.
Many of the comments are unprintable and mirror the vitriolic abuse aimed at Olympic gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill last week when she spoke out against the club's decision.
She asked for her name to be removed from a stand at Bramall Lane if the club re-signed Evans, who was recently released from a five-year jail term for rape.
People have accused Heaton of not being a real fan or giving Evans a chance.
Mr Heaton announced his decision on his Facebook page.
He said: "It is with great regret that I announce my resignation as patron of Sheffield United Community Foundation.
"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."
Writing on the social media site, Alison Green said: "Hope he (Evans) puts you all in your place when he clears his name. Not a true Blade so leave!!"
Others accused Heaton of being motivated by publicity.
Vinnie Roarty said: "You (Heaton) believe he has the right to rebuild his career but not at that club? Hardly a credible position.
"You and all the other attention-seekers who have came out should just disappear quietly."
On Twitter, Malcy Lyndsell said: "Ched Evans Saga turns into a witch hunt, Paul Heaton just pops another 2p worth in, Pathetic vigilantes is all they are."
Mr Heaton is the fourth patron to resign over the club's decision.
Evans was jailed in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in May 2011.
Television presenter Charlie Webster, 1960s pop star Dave Berry and school food and health adviser Lindsay Graham have also resigned as club patrons.
Mr Heaton will now donate his takings from a gig in Sheffield to a local rape charity.
The club said it had allowed Evans to train following a request from the Professional Footballers' Association.
At his trial, Evans admitted having sex with the woman but denied rape.
