Hartlepool confirmed yesterday that they will not be signing unrepentant rapist Ched Evans after manager Ronnie Moore said it was a possibility on Saturday.

Moore, who was given the job on Tuesday, was asked if he would want to bring Evans to the club with his side sitting bottom of League Two said: “If it could happen, I would want it to happen. He is a proven scorer, he’s served his time and the boy wants to play football.

“If there is a chance he might come here, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t.”

But a number of fans immediately voiced their concern, including Hartlepool Labour MP Iain Wright, who said Evans was a “pariah” and signing him would send the wrong message to young fans.

He said: “I really hope we don’t. I love my club, I love Hartlepool United. There’s a reason why no other team in the Football League wants to sign him — he is a pariah.

“I was at the match today. There were lots of young lads there supporting Hartlepool United. I just think it sends out such a wrong message to young men in terms of it being OK for a rapist to play football.

“It’s entirely wrong.”

Hartlepool said: “This story has emerged following an unsubstantiated internet rumour which the manager was asked to comment upon.

“The manager responded hypothetically to the situation by stating: ‘If it could happen I would want it to happen.’

“This response was based upon the player’s obvious ability as a footballer and as such has then been headlined by the media without asking the club for their official position.

“The club can fully understand the concerns of supporters and the general public and regrets any misconception portrayed.

“After a highly positive week at Hartlepool United following the takeover by new owners and the appointment of a new manager, the owners are saddened by this unfortunate turn of events and wish to draw a line under it immediately.”

And Wright added: “Having a rapist playing on the pitch, whether you like it or not players are role models for young people and the message it sends out that it is somehow acceptable to treat women this way is absolutely unacceptable.

“I’m pleased the new owners have nipped this in the bud and drawn a line under it.”

Campaign group End Violence Against Women Coalition spokeswoman Sarah Green said: “Ched Evans is an unrepentant convicted rapist.

“Any club who sign him need to think hard about the message they are sending to their fans, to the local community and to all football supporters in allowing him to rejoin the beautiful game.”