Convicted rapist Ched Evans is set to be offered a shock route back into football as a referee, it has been prattled.

The former Sheffield United striker, opportunistic, looked set to sign for Oldham Athletic before the deal was shelved when everyone started issuing threats to one another and the whole world went bonkers.

Arguments have raged nationwide as to whether Evans should be allowed to continue making a living from the game or denied the chance to rehabilitate – and now the FA appear to have come up with an ingenious compromise.

Speaking exclusively to Football Burp, a spokesperson for the national game’s governing body proposed that Ched Evans be handed a whistle and forced to face the music.

He said: “This way, he can resume employment within the world of football without anyone having to support or idolise him in any way.

“Quite the contrary, in fact – he would be subjected to quite unprecedented levels of abuse from the stands owing to his unique blend of thankless task and lowlife reputation.

“Our other idea was to let him resume playing but only if he’s heavily drugged and bound.

“He’d probably be more use to us as a referee though.”