Raith Rovers has responded with a statement to the signing of David Goodwillie. The 32-year-old striker was convicted of rape in 2017, so fans are not eager for his arrival. In addition, several board members of Raith have since resigned and sponsors have withdrawn. However, the club remains behind the incorporation of Goodwillie. One of the reasons Raith brought him in is because he is “a proven goalscorer”.
The presentation of Goodwillie as Raith’s new addition has sparked controversy. The striker, along with his former team-mate David Robertson, was accused by Denise Clair of rape in 2011 after a night out in West Lothian. A judge ruled in 2017 that Clair had actually been raped by Goodwillie and Robertson and forced them to pay the victim about 120,000 euros in damages. The pair were not charged with criminal charges because, according to prosecutors, there was not enough evidence.
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. https://t.co/5N4hDymGes
— Tyler Rattray?? (@Tyler_RattrayX) February 1, 2022
Clair insisted she was unable to consent to the sex because of her alcohol use, but Goodwillie and Robertson claimed the threesome was consensual. An appeal by the pair was rejected in 2017. Goodwillie was also fined €300 in 2008 for hitting a man in a Stirling nightclub and pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in Glasgow city center in 2012.
Raith, who is fourth in the Championship and is seeking promotion to the Scottish Premiership, announced the arrival of Goodwillie on Monday evening. A day later, the club released a statement. “As announced on our website last night, Raith Rovers can confirm that we have signed David Goodwillie from Clyde,” the club wrote on its site. “Goodwillie is a proven goalscorer, and this will be his second tenure with the club, having previously played for us on loan from Dundee United during the 2007/08 season.”
“As with all new signings, the club has thought carefully about our position as a community centered club and we respect the differing views of fans and stakeholders, with whom we have spoken directly over the past 24 hours and are still consulting. Having played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him a part of our football club. The board is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his football qualities. That is our main consideration and we believe he will be an addition to the Raith Rovers squad.”
“You can rest assured that we as a football club fully recognize that this appointment has divided the opinions of our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; we strive to restore that trust. We recognize the gravity of what happened ten years ago, but as a club we support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our purchase. In the first place, this was a football-related decision.”
However, attracting Goodwillie does have consequences for the club. Tyler Rattray, the captain of Raith’s women’s team, announced his retirement through a statement. According to English media, the rest of the team supports her and there are plans to print new shirts without the club logo. In addition, permission will be requested for a name change and the women’s team is looking at the possibility of playing elsewhere. Moreover, fans express their distaste for the transfer and several board members have also resigned and sponsors have withdrawn.