Raith Rovers have lost their shirt sponsor over the signing of striker David Goodwillie on transfer deadline day, with many fans unhappy at the signing.
The Scottish Championship side signed Goodwillie, who has previously been on loan with them, from League One side Clyde on Monday, having been linked with him since December.
Goodwillie has previously been branded as a rapist by a civil court case and made to pay the victim £100,000, after the Scottish legal authorities previously decided not pursue a criminal prosecution.
An appeal in 2017 upheld the decision of the civil court case for the former Blackburn Rovers striker and ex Dundee United player David Robertson.
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The signing of Goodwillie has understandably angered club sponsor and fan Val McDermid, well known author of crime novels, with the 66-year-old revealing that she will no longer sponsor the club or continue to support them.
"I have this morning ended my lifelong support of Raith Rovers over their signing of the rapist David Goodwillie," she said on Twitter.
"I have cancelled next season’s shirt sponsorship over this disgusting and despicable move.
"This shatters any claim to be a community or family club.
"Goodwillie has never expressed a shred of remorse for the rape he committed. His presence at Starks Park is a stain on the club.
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"I’ll be tearing up my season ticket too.
"This is a heartbreaker for me and many other fans, I know."
As well as her sponsorship, and life long support of the club, there is also a stand named after her father, who was a scout at the club.
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McDermid's criticism of Rovers has been echoed by many supporters, the captain of the ladies team, as well as local politicians and charities.
Captain Tyler Rattray revealed that she was leaving the club following 10 years with Raith, due to the signing of Goodwillie.
Livingston MP Hannah Bardell said, "Truly appalling decision Raith Rovers. Respect to your fans calling this out. You should listen to them and rethink."
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Rape Crisis Scotland, a leading charity that campaigns against violence to women put out a statement, saying, "We are surprised and deeply disappointed that Raith Rovers are happy to send such a clear message of disregard to survivors of rape and sexual violence in signing David Goodwillie
"Fundamentally – though it seems Raith FC do not agree - women’s lives are more important than men’s talent or careers. Footballers are role models – particularly for young people – and it’s not okay to have someone in this position who has been found by a senior judge to be a rapist.
"We wonder whether those who took this decision thought for a second about how it may look or feel to survivors to have to watch someone judged to have committed rape be celebrated and applauded.
"This was a bad decision that sends entirely the wrong message, and it should be withdrawn."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Scotland, Scottish Premiership
