Val McDermid, Raith Rovers and the Rapist

Thanks zennomore. So I dont think the arguments about rehabilitation stack up then because there has been no sentence. He hasnt paid his dues so to speak.

Absolutely incensed by Raith Rovers' handling of this issue. Val McDermid, along with many others who have had long associations with the club, raised their concerns when rumours first circulated that they were interested in signing Goodwillie. The club chose to ignore their concerns and sign him anyway.
They are now losing not only their major sponsor, but board directors, long-standing staff members and supporters in droves. People who have supported the club through thick and thin, for decades - who no longer want anything to do with them - and rightly so. Clubs like Raith are very much a part of their local community and should be setting an example. What message does this send out to their young supporters, female employees etc - that they are somehow less important that someone who might just bang in a few goals for the club?
Goodwillie has never once expressed even a shred of remorse with regards to this incident. How can there be rehabilitation without remorse?

* Denise Clair not Diane * blasted auto correct

It’s not only her sponsorship that has been withdrawn. Other club officials have resigned because of this contract and rightly so, to my mind.

After the criminal case was dropped the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority determined that Diane Clair had been raped and awarded her £11,000 compensation.
Jack McConnell the First Minister at the time called on a case review. It was after that that Diane decided to sue them in a civil court.

A job - yes. A job that makes him a role model - no.

Goodwillie has never shown any remorse.

Raith Rovers statement on this is 'First and foremost this was a football related decision'. www.raithrovers.net/52429/club-statement-10.htm

Galaxy - Diane Clair accused Goodwillie and a team mate of rape. The criminal case was dropped due to lack of evidence. Diane Clair brought a civil case against them, it was the first civil rape case of its kind in Scotland. It was determined that Diane had been raped.

Sorry I dont know this case. Did he serve a prison sentence?

I agree too.

There needs to be zero tolerance of rape, violence and misogyny - in football as well as everywhere else.

I believe in rehabilitation, and wouldn't want Goodwillie or anyone else to be unable to work again, but have no qualms about the fact that his crime should bar him from being able to work in a high profile job where he could become a role model, or even just an example of someone who did that and 'got away with it'.

Well done Val McDermid. I am a fan of her books, and have seen her talk - she seems very grounded and sensible, and this has just strengthened my opinion of her.

Benjamin Mendy not Mandy.

Hats off to Val McDiarmid. As Zennomore says, professional footballers make a huge impression on young males and David Goodwillie, Benjamin Mandy and "the other one" who is currently under investigation on rape charges, aren't exactly setting a good example. There seems to be something very wrong with some male footballers, their attitude to women and the word NO.

I agree Zennomore

Professional footballers are often someone who young people in particular admire and aspire to be like. Football clubs are active in their communities and aspire to be family focussed.
Goodwillie has never accepted guilt or shown remorse for his actions. I think he should be held accountable for his actions.
I admire these women for standing up for their believes and showing support for women.

Oh, this is a difficult one.

Obviously she can spend her money how she likes and this must have been so hard for Val. She has a stand there named after her, for goodness sake.

And I don't know the background to this case; is this man never to be allowed to work again?

I'll be interested to read what else is posted here about it.

Midgey, why would his behaviour improve because five years have passed?

Well done Val McD - she’s had expert advice in researching and writing. One of our well known forensic psychiatrists has advised her. I’m sure Val McD understands the reality of sex offenders
Football may be heading for it’s Me two moment

Tricky, my first thought was good for them BUT after five years could there not be improvement in his behaviour? Must he be condemned for ever?