BBC receives 81 complaints in just over 24 hours after radio presenter Nick Conrad claims women should ‘keep their knickers on’

BBC Radio Norfolk host Nick Conrad made the comment during a phone-in about the former Sheffield United and Norwich City footballer's future on his Monday morning show.

By Tuesday evening no formal complaints had been received, but 81 had been logged by Thursday morning.

Mr Conrad was forced to apologise on air for suggesting women were partially responsible for men acting upon their desires if they 'gave out the wrong signals''.

On his show this morning, he said: 'You may have seen the news stories about my show. I made it clear that rape is an abhorrent and inexcusable crime and women and victims are in no way to blame.

'Some of my comments were ill judged and were offensive to some. I apologise to anyone who was offended by what I said.'

In a statement on Tuesday night, the BBC said the Radio Norfolk host had been told his comments during a three hour phone-in about whether the player should be able to resume his football career, were 'very ill-judged'.

On Monday's live show, Mr Conrad said: 'I think women need to be more aware of a man's sexual desire, that when you're in that position that you are about to engage in sexual activity, there's a huge amount of energy in the male body.

'There's a huge amount of will and intent, and it's very difficult for many men to say no when they are whipped up into a bit of a storm,' he said.

He added that the situation could be compared to the old adage that 'if you yank a dog's tail then don't be surprised when it bites you'.

Ched Evans was jailed in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room and released last month

The question of whether he should be allowed to play professional football again for Sheffield United, his employer at the time he was convicted, or any other club has been hotly debated since his release.

What do you think of his comments? Contact lauren.cope@archant.co.uk