Sheffield United was urged to change its decision to allow unrepentant rapist Ched Evans to train with its players yesterday, in an open letter by a leading local MP and club shareholder.

Paul Blomfield, the Labour MP for Sheffield Central, says the Blades' decision is "dragging our name through the mud and dividing fans."

In an open letter to Sheffield United co-chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps, Blomfield wrote that the decision to welcome Evans into training had "only made the situation worse."

Blomfield said people found guilty of serious offences such as rape had to recognise the gravity of their crime.

He added: "Since his release Ched Evans has not taken this first step towards rehabilitation, but has trivialised his crime by describing it as an 'act of infidelity.'

"So we are considering the case of an unrepentant convicted rapist.

"To take him back in these circumstances sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence about how we view rape."

It followed the resignation of three Sheffield United foundation patrons - Sky Sports News presenter Charlie Webster, Sheffield businesswoman Lindsay Graham and singer Dave Berry.

Berry called on the club to show some "common sense" in an interview with the Sheffield Star.

"I felt I had to make some sort of stand," he told the paper, calling on Evans to show some remorse for his crime.

And speaking on television yesterday, Webster said: "I'm also a victim of sexual abuse and I don't believe it is morally right for a convicted rapist, who has still shown no remorse, to go and train with the club.

"It is trivialising rape and I think ... we have a real lack of understanding of what mutual consent is, and especially Ched Evans."

Blades boss Nigel Clough insisted the club was "a long way" from offering Evans a contract, saying that his return to training was "not a priority" within the club.

Clearly failing to grasp the gravity of the situation, Clough claimed: "Everybody realises the gravity of the situation and seriousness of everything and that's why it has taken so long to even get to this stage."

Clough visited Evans in prison while he was serving his sentence.