The Scottish club have been heavily criticised for the signing
Warning: This article contains reference to sexual violence
Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers have defended their decision to sign striker David Goodwillie despite facing criticism from supporters and and players associated to the club.
Goodwillie joined on a permanent deal on deadline day despite being accused of rape by Denise Clair in 2011 alongside former footballer David Robertson.
After the Crown declined to prosecute, Clair – who waived her right to anonymity – launched a civil case against the footballers.
In what was the first civil case of its kind in Scotland, a judge sided with Clair and ordered the pair to pay £100,000 damages.
Clair reiterated that she was unable to provide consent because of her alcohol consumption, but Goodwillie and Robertson claimed that intercourse had been consensual. An appeal by the pair was later dismissed in 2017.
https://twitter.com/RaithRovers/status/1488567563466518534
Despite this, Raith confirmed in a statement that the 32-year-old footballer would remain with the club. It read: “As announced on our website last night, Raith Rovers FC can confirm that we have signed David Goodwillie from Clyde FC.
“David is a proven goal scorer, and this will be his second stint with the club, having previously played for us on loan from Dundee United during season 2007-08.
“As with all new signings, the club has carefully considered our position as a Community Club and we completely respect the differing views among fans and stakeholders, many of whom we have spoken to directly in the past 24 hours and are continuing to engage with.
“As David has previously played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him to be part of Raith Rovers Football Club. The management team is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his footballing ability. That is our foremost consideration, and we believe that he will strengthen the Raith Rovers playing squad.
“Please be assured that as a community football club we fully acknowledge this signing has divided opinion amongst our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; We aim to rebuild that trust.
“While acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our signing.
“First and foremost, this was a football related decision.”
Earlier in the day (Tuesday February, 1) Raith Rovers’ women’s team’s captain, Tyler Rattray confirmed that she would step down from her position in protest against the signing.
Additionally, best-selling crime author Val McDermid has ended her long-running sponsorship of the club as a result of the signing.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, contact Refuge any time on 0808 2000 247.
