Jessica Ennis-Hill receives Twitter rape threats, after taking a stand against potential Ched Evans Sheffield United re-signing
The Olympian said that she would want her name removed from Sheffield United’s stand if he were to be reinstated
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Your support makes all the difference.Police have been made aware of rape threat tweets directed at Jessica Ennis-Hill, after she warned against the reinstatement of Ched Evans.
The Olympian announced in a statement today that she would want her name removed from the Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stand if he were to be re-signed. The footballer has begun training with the club this week, sparking widespread debate.
A tweet read:
“Jessica Ennis-Hill is a stupid c***.
“Saying she will remove her name if Ched Evens (sic) is signed. I hope he rapes her."
The tweet has since been deleted and the user’s account removed.
After he received criticism for his threat, he replied: “Freedom of speech mate… I’ll say what I want when I want!”
Another user tweeted to the sportswoman another threatening message:
South Yorkshire Police told The Independent that they were aware of the tweets and have started an investigation into the messages.
"Officers are making efforts to contact the individual concerned, but have launched an investigation into the posts online," said a statement.
David Cameron appeared to support the athlete's stance while speaking to reporters in Brisbane, where he is attending the G20 summit.
“I quite understand why she’s said what she’s said and done what she's done," he said.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson said Mr Cameron had previously said footballers should be role models and Sheffield United should consider any decision carefully.
Ennis-Hill is the latest person to join the discussion surrounding Evans’ involvement with United.
“I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honour and those in positions of influence in communities should respect the role they play in young people's lives and set a good example,” she said in a statement.
“If Evans was to be re-signed by the club it would completely contradict these beliefs.”
Women’s rights group End Violence Against Women Coalition called the club’s decision to allow the footballer to return to training “appalling”, while Nick Clegg said Evans should not have been allowed to return because of his position as a role model.
Earlier this week, Labour MP for Sheffield Central Paul Blomfield published a public letter challenging Evans’ return, writing that it “sends a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence about how we view rape”.
Three patrons of the club, including Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster, have resigned following Evans' new involvement with the club.
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