Raith Rovers are trying to rip up the contract of rapist David Goodwillie and have issued an apology as they backtracked on their controversial stance. The 32-year-old striker, who has no criminal background, was ruled to have raped a woman in a civil court in 2017. After facing fan fury over the past few days, the Scottish Championship side have released a new statement admitting they made a mistake in signing Goodwillie and confirmed he will not play for the club.
Goodwillie spent the past few years in Scotland’s lower leagues with Clyde.
His goal-scoring exploits saw Raith Rovers swoop for the 32-year-old on deadline day, a move which they justified as a ‘football related decision‘.
Famous author, lifelong fan and shirt sponsor Val McDermid publicly announced her ‘disgust’ at the decision and withdrew her support and sponsorship.
Women’s team captain Tyler Rattray also quit after a 10-year stint at the club, while the women’s team as a whole are reportedly in the process of changing their name and crest.
Women’s team captain Tyler Rattray also quit after a 10-year stint at the club, while the women’s team as a whole are reportedly in the process of changing their name and crest.
Goodwillie was ruled a rapist and ordered to pay damages in a 2017 civil case, which requires proof on the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Scotsman was never tried criminally over the accusation as prosecutors argued that there was not enough evidence.
Raith Rovers first released a statement on Tuesday defending their decision to sign Goodwillie, but more outrage preceded a follow-up which was issued on Thursday.
A statement from the chairman read: “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.”
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