Scotland
Football club brings in convicted rapist – prominent sponsor announces cooperation
The signing of David Goodwillie sparked protests at Scottish second division side Raith Rovers
© Jeff Holmes / Picture Alliance
Scottish second division club Raith Rovers have presented an unusual and highly controversial approach. New striker David Goodwillie is a convicted rapist. That doesn’t go over well at all. A prominent sponsor is now leaving.
This article first appeared on RTL.de
Trouble after controversial signing in Scotland! After the deal with convicted rapist David Goodwillie, crime writer and Edel fan Val McDermid is withdrawing her sponsorship of the club. She gives up her lifelong support for the team and also cancels the shirt sponsorship. She also announced that she would “tear up” her season ticket.
Val McDermid in the Raith Rovers stands
© Jeff Holmes/ / Picture Alliance
The professional was convicted by a court in 2017. In 2011, he and a former team-mate at Dundee United raped a woman. He had to pay a fine of the equivalent of 120,000 euros. Goodwillie vehemently denied the allegations. It was consensual sex, he said. According to the court, however, the victim was so under the influence of alcohol that consent was no longer possible. He was convicted in a civil court, but no criminal proceedings were instituted.
Employees protest against the signing of David Goodwillie
The excitement at Raith Rovers is now high. Several employees and players of the women’s team protested and even resigned. “It’s appalling that I’ve given up now that someone like that has been signed,” wrote women’s captain Tyler Rattray.
Even the head of government took a stand. Nicola Sturgeon praised the author and captain. Their position is a sign that “our society still has a long way to go to achieve zero tolerance for sexual violence.”
In the meantime, the club has responded to the violent reactions. It is recognized that the commitment has created divided opinion among loyal fans and stakeholders. They want to rebuild trust, it said in a statement. “Although we are aware of the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation and many factors influenced the signing. First and foremost it was a football-related decision.”
