Val McDermid, Raith Rovers and the Rapist

I don’t like Joey Barton or Lee Bowyer either but they have been allowed to progress.

25Avalon As I remember, there was a bit of an outcry when he was signing for Clyde, but nothing as high-profile as this. As a friend of mine put it, the Clyde board simply stuck two fingers up at those supporters who did question it and then laid low until the fuss died down. Which is all the more reason to keep up the pressure on the Raith board to reconsider their decision.

I suppose they thought because Clyde got away with it they could do the same. Lots of clubs seem to rate playing abilities above morals. It is good when supporters take a stand against it. How come nobody at Clyde spoke out or did they?

dogsmother

Well hats of to Val, I love footie. I would say even at grass roots I hope he never gets back to play or has any involvement. I support our local team and it’s surprising how the little ones look up to the older ones even at the very beginning.
I think the writing is on the wall purely with how few gay players are prepared to out themselves, it’s a very harsh arena.

Oh good. Another footy lover. I support a Prem club but watch grass roots too. Nothing like sitting in a dilapidated stand in the pouring rain and watching good old-fashioned football. No VAR or prima donnas there. I agree with you. These players are role models for the up and coming youngsters. Never a better time to lead by showing a good example to them.

Tizliz

Blondiescot

Sarnia And what makes it worse is that the board at Raith Rovers were already well aware of the feelings of Val McDermid and others before the signing of Goodwillie was confirmed. Val and others had already raised their serious concerns when it was first rumoured that the club was interested in the player - yet they still went ahead.

They went ahead after assuring Val that they would not sign him!

Which underlines how they regard women!

Blondiescot

Sarnia And what makes it worse is that the board at Raith Rovers were already well aware of the feelings of Val McDermid and others before the signing of Goodwillie was confirmed. Val and others had already raised their serious concerns when it was first rumoured that the club was interested in the player - yet they still went ahead.

They went ahead after assuring Val that they would not sign him!

Sarnia And what makes it worse is that the board at Raith Rovers were already well aware of the feelings of Val McDermid and others before the signing of Goodwillie was confirmed. Val and others had already raised their serious concerns when it was first rumoured that the club was interested in the player - yet they still went ahead.

Val McDermid is not only a brilliant author but someone with morals. Who was it at Raith Rovers who thought this was a good signing? He, and it will be a 'he', wants naming and shaming because to employ a convicted rapist is a total insult to any woman connected to Raith Rovers and in the wider world.

Chewbacca

^is this man never to be allowed to work again?^

Preferably not where his deeds and actions as a mentor to young impressionable men who could view the rape, abuse and violation of women as a "cool" and acceptable way to treat women with few, if any, punishments. Had Goodwillie had the decency to admit and face up to his actions, instead of forcing his victim to take civil action against him, I might have had more sympathy for him. But he didn't. And I don't.

Well said, Chewbacca. Goodwillie has never once shown any shred of remorse for his actions - surely a prerequisite for any rehabilitation? His actions are indefensible. And Raith have simply dug themselves an even deeper hole with the statement they put out last night defending their signing of him.

Well hats of to Val, I love footie. I would say even at grass roots I hope he never gets back to play or has any involvement. I support our local team and it’s surprising how the little ones look up to the older ones even at the very beginning.
I think the writing is on the wall purely with how few gay players are prepared to out themselves, it’s a very harsh arena.

I cannot believe posters on here defending this man. As for the other player who at the moment is being investigated, I don't think he will be working any time soon. Im sick of footballers being treated like gods, no wonder they view themselves as untouchable. Would you be delighted if your daughter/granddaughter brought either of these two home? No? Thought not.

is this man never to be allowed to work again?

Preferably not where his deeds and actions as a mentor to young impressionable men who could view the rape, abuse and violation of women as a "cool" and acceptable way to treat women with few, if any, punishments. Had Goodwillie had the decency to admit and face up to his actions, instead of forcing his victim to take civil action against him, I might have had more sympathy for him. But he didn't. And I don't.

This man has never stopped working.
There will be no dancing in the streets of Raith over this ( an old joke).

is this man never to be allowed to work again?

Yes, but not in such a privileged position.

He's hardly a world-class player that the club is dependent on for survival - there must be many young players who could take his place and who don't have such a history of violence.

I've just heard on Woman's Hour the press statement that the club has put out - unbelievably crass!

I didn't know the background to this.
It seems, tho, that the 'football decision' may actually lead to very bad times for Raith Rovers.

Well done Val McDermid. I do remember the case.

Lord Armstrong was critical of Goodwillie, saying his evidence was ‘partial’ and partisan’. He ruled: ‘both defenders took advantage of the pursuer when she was vulnerable through an excessive intake of alcohol and, because her cognitive functioning and decision-making processes were so impaired, was incapable of giving meaningful consent; and that they each raped her.’ In contrast, the testimony of Ms Clair was described by Lord Armstrong as: ‘cogent, persuasive and compelling’.

I didn't know about this. However, yesterday we were talking about the other young footballer who has been accused (yes I know only accused, nothing has been proven). My husband said 'He's only 20 and he's very good. Whatever the outcome he will be back playing at some point. It's about money and results.'

It seems that the ghastly game comes before morals !!

I had a look at Goodwillie’s wiki page and see that despite his history of rape and violence he has had an unbroken football career. He has been playing for Clyde until now and his ability to score goals there seems to have overcome any concerns about his past. Thank goodness for Val McDermid and the others who say enough is enough. He has been fortunate to have continued with his career so far and I don’t wish him ill, but he needs to take this on the chin as the moral compass has now caught up with him.

Whoops, posted in error

This incident is yet another in showing the misogyny endemic in many, especially male dominated, areas.

Thanks Chewbacca for putting the list together. Ryan Giggs is awaiting trial for domestic abuse, including coercive control. Paul Gascogne beat his wife, broke her finger on one occasion. I’m a long term supporter of MUFC and was relieved they acted promptly in suspending their player who has been ric on serious charges.
Val McDermid’s high profile will help put this in the media. It’s yet ani

I totally support Val McDermid.

Thank you for that Chewbacca. As iam64 says upthread football may be heading for it Me2 moment.

The women’s captain, Tyler Rattray, announced on Tuesday: “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!”

Benjamin Mendy is charged with six counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to four complainants over the age of 16.
"The other one" is facing charges on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and making threats to kill.
Ched Evans convicted of raping a 19-year-old girl who was too drunk to consent.
Adam Johnson alleged to have sexually assaulted a minor 15-year-old girl. He was arrested on charges of sexual offence and child grooming. Although he denied all the charges, the court found him guilty, as he served six years in prison.
Marlon King accused of sexual assault assault, occasioning actual bodily harm over the 20-year-old girl, leading to his arrest, and he was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. Besides, he was also placed on the Sex Offender Register for a period of seven years.
Guy Madjo Sexual assault. He was found guilty and was served with three-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
Graham Rix Allegedly had sex with an underaged girl of 15 years in 1999. As a result, he was handed one-year imprisonment and placed on the sex offender registry for ten years.

So yes, Val McDiarmid is right to be outraged.

What an unfortunate surname the chap has!