21/02/2022
In Scotland, lesbian socialist writer and best selling crime novelist Val McDermid has severed ties with her favourite football club, Raith Rovers, after it signed David Goodwillie. Pink News explains that Mr Goodwillie was found to have committed rape and ordered to pay civil damages five years ago, but there were no criminal proceedings. Raith Rovers said that it believed in rehabilitation of offenders through football, but many fans disagreed. McDermid said that she was “heartbroken” at having to sever ties with the club, where she has served as a board member. Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland and the group Rape Crisis Scotland have also spoken out at their dismay at the appointment. Fan Martin Glass has also started a crowd funding page where angry fans can donate to Rape Crisis Scotland and register their disagreement at Raith Rovers’ decision.
