Barry Bannan has been criticised by fans after a post appeared to show him back rapist David Goodwillie. The Sheffield Wednesday captain and former Scotland International re-posted a bizarre Twitter outburst in which Goodwillie vowed to 'speak my truth.'
Former Aberdeen Blackburn and Dundee United striker Goodwillie had penned a deal with Perth side Sorrento FC but the club were forced to rip up the deal after furious fans protested the move. Reacting to the decision Goodwillie took to Twitter vowing to tell his side of the story.
The message was shared to Bannan's story on Instagram with the caption "Topman that deserves to be heard." Goodwillie was ruled to have raped a woman by a civil court in 2017.
Angry fans slammed Bannan for appearing to back his former Scotland teammate.
One fan wrote: "Sheffield Wednesday captain and Golden Boy Barry Bannan publicly defending a rapist on his Instagram story. Oh dear oh dear, I’m sure all the female Wednesday supporters appreciate that “legend”"
Another said: "I’ve written to club tonight to express my disgust and disappointment with Barry Bannan’s IG story. I would urge anyone who feels the same to do so as well. Any victim of abuse reading that be so upset tonight."
A third added: "Very disappointed that our captain has decided to come out in what appears to be vocal support of someone (who) lost a civil case which concluded he r*ped a woman. I’m glad no club will touch him."
Rainbow Owls, Sheffield Wednesday's officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters' group said in a tweet: "To say we are disappointed in our captain, for comments he has made in support of shamed footballer David Goodwillie, is an understatement. This is why EDI initiatives in football are important & why we're here to educate, so this becomes less common."
Barry Bannan and Sheffield Wednesday have been contacted for comment.
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