NORTHUMBRIA police and crime commissioner Vera Baird has called on Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to drop Sports Direct's sponsorship of Oldham Athletic if they sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

The former Labour minister, below, said the retail giant's backing was worth £1m to the club.

The Northern Echo: Redcar MP Vera Baird

She wrote to Mr Ashley: "He (Evans) should not be taken on as a footballer with the high profile heroism that young people attach to such figures.

"It is tantamount to saying that sexual abuse is OK as long as you can play football.

"If Oldham Athletic decide to appoint him, I would urge you to withdraw Sports Direct sponsorship at the club."

She said Oldham was her home town, and she regularly watched the team when she was younger.