Outrage as it emerges Ray Rice can sign with any NFL team IMMEDIATELY after winning his suspension appeal

• Ex-NFL star filmed punching his wife Janay Palmer with left fist in elevator
• He was suspended indefinitely by league after video surfaced in September
• But on Friday, Judge Barbara Jones 'vacated' the footballer's suspension
• Rice can sign with any NFL team - and can do so as soon as he gets offer
• Decision has sparked outrage online, with many deeming it 'unbelievable'

By Sophie Jane Evans for MailOnline

Published: 15:40 EST, 28 November 2014 | Updated: 17:18 EST, 28 November 2014

Former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Rice has won the appeal of his indefinite suspension and can return to the field immediately in a decision that has sparked outrage across the world.

In an email to AP on Friday afternoon, National Football League Players Association spokesman, George Atallah, said: 'I can only confirm the suspension has been vacated, effective immediately.'

Under the vacation, approved by former U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones, Rice is now eligible to sign with any NFL team - and can do so as soon as he receives an offer.

It comes two months after the footballer was suspended from the league indefinitely after he was filmed punching his wife, Janay Palmer, with his left fist in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino.

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United front: Former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Rice (pictured arriving at court with his wife, Janay Palmer, on November 5) has won his appeal of his indefinite suspension and can return to the field immediately

Shocking footage: It comes two months after the footballer was suspended from the National Football League indefinitely after he was filmed punching Palmer with his left fist in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino

'It is unbelievable': Within minutes of Judge Jones's decision in the appeal being publicly released, people across America, Britain and elsewhere had taken to social media to express their disgust at the verdict

Within minutes of Judge Jones's decision being publicly released, people across America, Britain and elsewhere had taken to social media to express their disgust at the verdict.

Hillary Nadler wrote: 'It is unbelievable that Ray Rice is able to play again. I hope no one signs him,' while Marty Coultas said: 'Who's gonna sign Ray Rice? No one. Not happening.'

Detroit-based journalist Ron Fournier tweeted: 'Any poor excuse of a man who hits a woman is kicked out of any self-respecting club. The NFL is a millionaires'/billionaires' club of enablers.'

And Andrew Sheehy, from Scarborough in England, added: 'If Ray Rice plays another down in the NFL again, linebackers will line up left, right and center to hit him as hard as they can.'

Outrage: Detroit-based journalist Ron Fournier (pictured) tweeted: 'Any poor excuse of a man who hits a woman is kicked out of any self-respecting club. The NFL is a millionaires'/billionaires' club of enablers'

Questioning the verdict: Twitter user Marty Coultas said: 'Who's gonna sign Ray Rice? No one. Not happening'

Risky business: And Andrew Sheehy, from Scarborough in England, added: 'If Ray Rice plays another down in the NFL again, linebackers will line up left, right and center to hit him as hard as they can'

However, not everyone was opposed to Rice rejoining the game, with Twitter user AJ Gould saying: 'Glad Ray Rice got reinstated... Hope Roger Goodell gets fired!'

Initially, Rice was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for only two games following the one-punch knockout of his then-fiancée at the New Jersey-based casino in February.

However, after elevator security video of the altercation surfaced in September, the Ravens released the three-time Pro Bowler, and his $35 million contract, and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

During the appeal, Rice's lawyers and the union argued the league had overstepped its authority in modifying former running back's two-game suspension, saying he was being 'sentenced' twice.

On the field: During the appeal, Rice's lawyers and the union argued the league had overstepped its authority in modifying the player's (pictured) two-game suspension, saying he was being 'sentenced' twice

Couple: In addition to testimonies from both Rice and Palmer (pictured together)- who supported her husband - Judge Jones heard from NFL security chief Jeffrey Miller and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome

In addition to testimonies from both Rice and Palmer - who supported her husband - Judge Jones heard from NFL security chief Jeffrey Miller and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.

In her decision on Friday, Judge Jones wrote: 'Because Rice did not mislead the commissioner and because there were no new facts on which the commissioner could base his increased suspension, I find that the imposition of the indefinite suspension was arbitrary.

'I therefore vacate the second penalty imposed on Rice. The provisions of the first discipline - those regarding making continued use of counseling and other professional services, having no further involvement with law enforcement, and not committing any additional violations of league policies - still stand.'

Expressing shock: Twitter user Joey D said: 'I'd be shocked if any team even went near Ray Rice this season'

Difference in opinion: However, not everyone was opposed to Rice rejoining the game, with Twitter user AJ Gould (pictured) saying: 'Glad Ray Rice got reinstated... Hope Roger Goodell gets fired!'

Another disgraced footballer: In September, Minnesota Vikings' star running back Adrian Peterson (pictured) was arrested for disciplining his four-year-old son by striking him with a wooden switch

Rice is not the only NFL player to have sparked anger among fans due to alleged violence.

In September, Minnesota Vikings' star running back Adrian Peterson was arrested for disciplining his four-year-old son by striking him with a wooden switch.

Peterson pleaded no contest in a Texas courtroom to a misdemeanor assault charge following his arrest and was told to pay a $4,000 (£2,550) fine and undertake community service.

The NFL did not immediately comment on Rice's verdict.