Nicola Sturgeon backs Val McDermid in Raith Rovers row

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has given her backing to Val McDermid after the author criticised Raith Rovers over the signing of David Goodwillie.

Both McDermid and women’s team captain Tyler Rattray said they would end their association with the club after Goodwillie was signed from Clyde last night.

In 2017, Goodwillie was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge in a civil court case after it was ruled that he had raped a woman in West Lothian.

Throwing her support behind McDermid and Rattray, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “The stances that Val McDermid and women’s team captain Tyler Rattray have taken are principled - though difficult for both of them.

“But the fact they’re in this position at all reminds us that our society still has a way to go to make zero tolerance of sexual violence a reality.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat and North East Fife MP, Wendy Chamberlain, said: "David Goodwillie has never apologised or expressed an ounce of regret for his actions.

"This is an absolutely appalling decision on the part of Raith Rovers and it is one that is going to have serious consequences for them in terms of how they are viewed in the community.

"I urge the club to think again."

In a statement, Raith Rovers said: “As with all new signings, the club has carefully considered our position as a Community Club and we completely respect the differing views among fans and stakeholders, many of whom we have spoken to directly in the past 24 hours and are continuing to engage with.

“As David has previously played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him to be part of Raith Rovers Football Club. The management team is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his footballing ability. That is our foremost consideration, and we believe that he will strengthen the Raith Rovers playing squad.

“Please be assured that as a community football club we fully acknowledge this signing has divided opinion amongst our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; We aim to rebuild that trust.

“While acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our signing.

“First and foremost, this was a football related decision.”