Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MP criticises controversial Clyde FC signing

Clyde FC is facing a storm of protest after stating that the team's appointment of rapist David Goodwillie was '˜purely about football'.

Striker Goodwillie (28) has joined the Broadwood side until the end of the season in a move that’s been described as ‘best for the team’.

Co-interim manager John Paul McGovern said: “It’s a football decision for us and I wouldn’t like to talk about anything else to do with that.”

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Yet that attitude is not shared by those who say that a man convicted of rape by a civil court should have never been allowed near the pitch — as he is a poor example to fans.

MSP Jamie Hepburn said: “Footballers are looked up to by young people who support their clubs.

“They should be role models for them in their conduct and behaviour, and not just on the football field.

“In that regard, this signing seems very ill considered to say the least.”

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Sandy Brindley, national coordinator of Rape Crisis Scotland, added: “It is concerning to have someone in this role who was found by a senior judge to be a rapist.

“We need to make sure young people, particularly young men, know targeting very drunk women for rape is extremely serious, with devastating consequences.”

The Court of Session ruled in January that Goodwillie and his former Dundee United team mate David Robertson raped mum Denise Clair in Armadale, West Lothian, in 2011.

They were ordered to pay her £100,000 in damages following the civil action.