Raith Rovers Goodwillie signing explanation 'compounded the problem' - according to First Minister
The club said it was a 'football decision'
Last updated 2nd Feb 2022
Nicola Sturgeon has said the explanation Raith Rovers gave for signing striker David Goodwillie has 'compounded the problem' - as the club faces further criticism over the move.
The former Scotland forward was found by a civil court in 2017 to have raped a woman, but continued his footballing career.
His transfer from Clyde led to a huge backlash from campaigners, supporters and some staff at Starks Park, with high-profile fan and author Val Val McDermid pulling her sponsorship.
Later on Tuesday, the Raith Rovers published a statement defending the move, describing it as a 'football decision' which had been 'carefully considered'.
READ: Raith Rovers defend David Goodwillie signing
READ: Former PM joins voices against Goodwillie transfer
Responding to that, the First Minister said: "I think the statement Raith Rovers issued actually compounded the problem rather than made it any better.
"I'm paraphrasing the statement, but what they effectively seemed to be saying is that it didn't matter how a man had behaved towards a woman, the only thing that mattered to them was that he could score goals.
"It's not an ordinary job, like First Minister is not an ordinary job - football players are role models and football clubs have a responsibility to make sure they're positive role models for the wee boys and wee girls who look up to them.
"This is a player who was found in a civil court, albeit on the balance of probabilities, to have raped a woman, and as far as I'm aware hasn't shown any remorse or reflection for that and I think that Raith Rovers really do have to reflect on the message that sends."
'Devastating' for women's sport
Among those criticising the decision were members of Raith Rovers' women's team - including captain Tyler Rattray, who announced she would quit.
Chief Executive Scottish Women's Football Aileen Campbell described the outcome as disappointing.
She said: "That's a really significant blow to women's football and really bitterly ironic that it's women that are being lost to the game as a result of this decision.
"Football is a force for good - it can be a force for good. It has huge influence, huge sway, particularly on young fans and that's what we should be making our sport about.
"This situation is very far away from that."