Raith Rovers Football Club signing of David Goodwillie

That this House notes with concern, regret and alarm the decision of Raith Rovers Football Club to sign to the club Mr David Goodwillie who, along with another man, was found by a civil court ruling in 2017 to have raped a woman; further notes with sadness the impact this decision has had on players, staff, supporters and the wider Fife and national community; applauds the courageous and principled stance taken by those with a lifelong relationship to the club and pays particular tribute to writer and long-time supporter and sponsor Val McDermid, the women’s club captain Tyler Rattray and former local councillor and women’s campaigner Marie Penman; acknowledges this decision has taken place against a backdrop of a rise of male violence against women and in an environment where many women across Scotland struggle to have their concerns about policies that affect their lives recognised as valid; calls for swift action from Raith Rovers club leadership to review this decision, show contrition and to stand in solidarity with women across Scotland and the world whose lives are forever altered by the trauma of psychological, physical and sexual violence; and further calls on the club to demonstrate such commitment by showing their support for local charities such as Saje Scotland, who work tirelessly with women to help rebuild their lives following such violence.