Live updates: Raith Rovers face backlash over David Goodwillie signing
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Crime writer Val McDermid has ended her sponsorship of Raith Rovers over the signing of David Goodwillie.
McDermid, a former Raith director whose name adorns the club’s home shirts, had warned against the signing several weeks ago and her stance has been backed by Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
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Hide AdThe captain of the club’s women’s team, Tyler Rattray, announced she was quitting playing for the team.
In a tweet, 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!”
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Live updates: Raith Rovers face backlash over David Goodwillie signing
Directors, club captains and now match announcers are leaving Raith.
The latest resignation from the club.
You can see how the initial announcement was greeted by fans.
Safe to say most Raith Rovers fans did not welcome the news.
“As a Raith fan who covered the team for The Fife Free Press for 17 years, I am left saddened by the entirely avoidable situation the club has put itself in, and in fear of what the future holds. The club’s heart has been ripped out, and I can only hope they do the right thing before it’s too late.”
Powerful words from Matthew Elder - you can read his full column here.
A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money for Rape Crisis Scotland which has so far raised over £600.
In a social media post this morning Val McDermid confirmed she would be ending her support and sponsorship of Raith Rovers over their decision to sign David Goodwillie.
She tweeted: “The thought of the rapist David Goodwillie running out on the pitch at Starks Park in a Raith Rovers shirt with my name on it makes me feel physically sick.”
McDermid, whose father was the Rovers scout responsible for signing the club’s greatest player, Jim Baxter, added that the move was “a terrible day not just for Raith Rovers but for women who support football”.
“The beautiful game just turned very ugly in Kirkcaldy,” she added.
“What message does it send to the young women and girls who pull on the Raith jersey that Goodwillie is now one of their own? “
Full column: Raith Rovers: David Goodwillie signing is an insult to every survivor of rape or sexual violence – Martyn McLaughlin
