Val McDermid ends lifelong support of Raith Rovers over Goodwillie signing
The club's women's captain, a director, and the supporter liaison officer have quit over the decision, with the First Minister praising the "principled" stance.
Last updated 1st Feb 2022
Scottish crime writer Val McDermid says she is "ripping up" her Raith Rovers season ticket, and ending her shirt sponsorship at the club, after they signed David Goodwillie.
The Starks Park side announced last night that they had agreed a deal for the striker to join from Clyde until the end of the 2023/24 season.
But the author claims the move is a "stain on the club".
At a civil trial in 2017, Goodwillie was ordered to pay damages to a woman, who the judge ruled he had raped.
'Disgusting and despicable'
Ms McDermid said: "I have this morning ended my lifelong support of @RaithRovers over their signing of the rapist David Goodwillie. 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. I’ll be tearing up my season ticket too. This is a heartbreaker for me and many other fans, I know.
"The thought of the rapist David Goodwillie running out on the pitch at Starks Park in a @RaithRovers shirt with my name on it makes me feel physically sick."
A stand at the ground is also named after Ms McDermid's father, who was a scout for the club.
On Tuesday morning, the captain of Raith Rovers ladies' team, Tyler Rattray, announced she has quit the club.
She said "After 10 long years playing for raith, it’s gutting I have given up now because they have signed someone like this and I want nothing to do with it! It was good being captain of raith while it lasted."
Club directors Andrew Mills and Bill Clark, and Supporter Liaison Officer, Margie Robertson, have also stepped down.
She said: "Due to recent developments within the club I have today tendered my resignation as SLO/DAO. My values and that of the club are now on a divergent path.
"I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged me and helped me through out my tenure. I have enjoyed meeting so many fans."
Speaking after the signing was confirmed last night, Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn said: “I have worked with David before and he has a proven track record as a goalscorer throughout his career at every level. We know from matches against Clyde in League 1 that he always carried a goal threat.
"Signing him, I believe, is crucial to the club’s promotion push in our quest to reach the SPFL Premiership – it is a great signing for Raith Rovers as a club, as David is the top goal scorer in Scotland.
"Every striker at the club will benefit greatly from his experience in matches and training".