Raith Rovers defend David Goodwillie signing as a 'football related decision'
His move prompted a huge backlash among supporters and some staff at the club
Raith Rovers have defended the signing of former Scotland forward David Goodwillie, describing it as a 'football related decision'.
In 2017 a judge in a civil case found that the 32-year-old and now retired player David Robertson, had raped a woman.
They were ordered to pay damages of £100,000 and no criminal charges had been brought against either of them.
His move from Clyde on transfer deadline day drew widespread criticism from supporters and some key figures at Starks Park, including lifelong fan and shirt sponsor Val McDermid.
Ms McDermid tweeted that the club's decision was a 'disgusting and despicable move' and said the idea of him playing in the kit she sponsored made her 'feel physically sick'.
Two directors have also left the club in the aftermath of the deal, while the club's women's team, Tyler Rattray, also announced she was quitting.
'This signing has divided opinion'
But in a statement published on Tuesday evening, Raith Rovers stood by the move.
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 the 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. But first and foremost, this was a football related decision."
'Entirely the wrong message'
The signing has also drawn condemnation from beyond the footballing world.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her support for those who'd cut ties with the club.
A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis Scotland said: "We are surprised and deeply disappointed that Raith Rovers FC are happy to send such a clear message of disregard to survivors of rape and sexual violence in signing David Goodwillie.
"This was a bad decision that sends entirely the wrong message, and it should be withdrawn."