THE football club which signed former Scotland striker David Goodwillie less than three months after a judge ruled that he had raped a woman has defended the decision.
Clyde FC released a statement saying that it acknowledged the feedback it had received from supporters over the controversial signing, and that it did not ignore the "wider societal message".
However, it stood by the decision to bring the 27-year-old onboard to help their fight against relegation from Division 2 until the end of the season.
The former Dundee United, Blackburn Rovers, Aberdeen and Ross County striker left Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent in January after Lord Armstrong ruled in a civil action that he and ex-Tannadice teammate David Robertson had raped Denise Clair on a night out in West Lothian in 2011.
Ms Clair later waived her anonymity to welcome the judge's decision.
The club's statement said: “The decision was not one that was taken lightly and we were clear that the signing could be controversial.
“The coverage of this signing brings the conversation back into the media around an event that has clearly damaged lives and this conversation raises awareness of the need for both responsible decisions and respect.
"As a socially responsible employer we will always seek to support people, to rebuild lives and careers, especially so after mistakes.”
It added: “We have on this occasion assessed the person, their abilities and their intentions. We uniquely interviewed the player from a non-footballing perspective and satisfied ourselves that we are offering the opportunity and support for him to begin to reconcile his position and responsibilities and for him to rebuild a sporting career, enabling him to make a positive contribution to the wider footballing community and society as a whole.”
The decision has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from SNP MSP John Mason, a Clyde shareholder and season-ticket holder, who said he will not attend matches while Goodwille remains a player.
He said: "Some years ago as a councillor in Glasgow I was very much opposed to the boxer Mike Tyson fighting at Hampden after his conviction for rape.
"Sports people definitely are seen as role models and although we do not expect them to be perfect, we know that young people seek to follow in the footsteps of such personalities. I very much agree with Clyde’s desire to be a community based and family friendly club.
"The Christian faith is also very important to me and I strongly believe in forgiveness for people who admit to doing wrong. But it is usually good to allow a bit of time for the dust to settle. January just seems too recent to say that these events are part of history."
Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, was also concerned about the message being sent.
She said: “Footballers are often seen as role models for young people. It is concerning to have someone in this role who was found by a senior judge to be a rapist.
“We need to make sure young people, particularly young men, know that targeting very drunk women for rape is extremely serious, with devastating consequences.”
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