David Goodwillie was spotted sitting dejected in the stands at the Raith Rovers game as the club continue to back him despite backlash.
The footballer was ruled to have raped a woman in a civil court ruling in 2017 and his appointment to the Fife club from Clyde on an 18-month contract has caused much controversy after being announced last night.
A number of individuals and sponsors linked to the football team have distanced themselves from the Raith Rovers, including director Bill Clark and supporter-director Andy Mill.
Captain of the women's team, Tyler Rattray, also pulled her support after playing for the team for the past decade as well as crime writer and sponsor Val McDermid. And both were praised by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Goodwillie was pictured in the stands as Raith Rovers played Queen of the South at home tonight in a game which ended 3-3.
Queen of the South wore a pink kit to back the White Ribbon campaign, which strives to end violence against women.
A fundraiser has also been launched by Raith Rovers fans, which has raised nearly £1,500 for Rape Crisis Scotland. To donate, click here.
Despite the backlash, Raith Rovers have insisted on backing their new player.
A statement from the club read: "David is a proven goal scorer, and this will be his second stint with the club, having previously played for us on loan from Dundee United during season 2007-08.
"As with all new signings, the club has carefully considered our position as a community club and we completely respect the differing views among fans and stakeholders, many of whom we have spoken to directly in the past 24 hours and are continuing to engage with.
"As David has previously played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him to be part of Raith Rovers Football Club. The management team is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his footballing ability.
"That is our foremost consideration, and we believe that he will strengthen the Raith Rovers playing squad.
"Please be assured that as a community football club we fully acknowledge this signing has divided opinion amongst our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; We aim to rebuild that trust.
"While acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our signing. First and foremost, this was a football related decision."
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