The boss of Scottish Women's Football (SWF) says Raith Rovers' signing of rapist David Goodwillie will have 'devastating consequences' for females in the sport and the club has 'tarnished its reputation'  
Goodwillie, 32, was ordered to pay Ј100,000 in damages by a judge in a civil court case in 2017 after he was found to have raped a woman at a flat in West Lothian six years ago.  
The striker joined Raith in a deadline-day transfer on Monday, but the move has been met with a furious backlash which has led to several key staff and sponsors terminating their association with the club. 
Tyler Rattray, captain of Raith's women's team, has also quit in protest, while former Prime Minister and fan Gordon Brown has made clear he does 'not support' Goodwillie's signing.
Val McDermid, the best-selling Scottish crime writer who had been a lifelong fan and a key financial backer for the Kirkcaldy club, also withdrew her support.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed their decisions today.
She wrote on Twitter: ‘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.' 
It comes as SWF chief executive Aileen Campbell described the signing as a 'badly misjudged' decision today.





The 32-year-old, pictured bottom row, centre, joined Raith in a deadline-day move from Clyde






First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pictured during her visit to Scottish Opera on Wednesday, has also given support to those withdrawing from the club






Scottish crime writer Val McDermid has withdrawn her support for Raith Rovers following the signing of Goodwillie






Val McDermid said the decision had 'shattered' the club's reputation and she had torn up her sponsorship deal and her season ticket






Tyler Rattray, captain of Raith's Women's team, quit the club after serving 10 years as a player