Raith make U-turn over decision to sign David Goodwillie
The move cause huge backlash from club staff, supporters & politicians
Last updated 3rd Feb 2022
Raith Rovers have said new signing David Goodwillie will not represent the club as they 'got it wrong', following the huge opposition to his signing.
The former Scotland striker was signed on transfer deadline day from Clyde but his move received widespread criticism for the signing from staff members, supporters and politicians.
'We got it wrong'
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.
After initially defending the move as a 'football decision', Chairman John Sim released a statement this morning confirming that Goodwillie's short time at the club is over.
Sim said: "I firstly want to apologise wholeheartedly to our fans, sponsors, players and the wider Raith Rovers community for the anguish and anger caused over the past few days.
"We got it wrong.
"In reaching our original decision, we focused far too much on football matters and not enough on what this decision would mean for our club and the community as a whole.
"Over the past couple of days, we listened carefully to the fans who have got in touch and I’m very grateful for their honesty. As chairman, as a board and as a management team, we have all learned a hard but valuable lesson.
"This very unfortunate episode is something that we all bitterly regret and we are now wholly committed to making things right. I can therefore confirm that, following a meeting of the Raith Rovers board, the player will not be selected by Raith Rovers and we will enter into discussions with the player regarding his contractual position.
"We share a desire to do what is best for our club and will be doing everything in our power to regain the trust and confidence of the Raith Rovers family."
Rape Crisis Scotland - which had criticised the transfer, published a statement on Thursday welcoming the u-turn.
It said: "There are no doubt unanswered questions and concerns here but the Scottish public should be proud that they made the terrible decision by Raith Rovers FC untenable.
"We have been so heartened to see the response from fans, sponsors, staff and the women’s football team in particular – they have proved the power of speaking out against injustice and showed that in Scotland we want there to be zero tolerance of rape and rapists.
"We applaud the courage and principle of those who did the right thing, even when it came at great personal cost and was clearly very painful.
"We are also grateful to all who donated to Rape Crisis in protest and solidarity. These donations will be shared with the local Rape Crisis centre so that survivors who need support locally, will be able to access this as soon as possible.
"This debacle has shown that there is still such a very long way to go until men’s violence against women and girls is truly treated with zero tolerance, but it has also given us hope that in Scotland we hold the values and determination to make this a reality.
"We know that it has meant so much to so many to see so much solidarity with survivors."
Criticism over the move
His move from Clyde 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.
Condemnation came from out with the footballing world as well, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged the club to rethink the decision by saying: “Football clubs have a responsibility to make sure players are positive role models for the wee boys and wee girls who look up to them.”
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."