David Goodwillie backed by Raith Rovers as club break their silence to defend signing

Raith Rovers have defended the signing of David Goodwillie after an angry backlash to the striker's deadline day arrival.

A number of club figures have quit in protest and fans left furious at the decision to recruit the 32-year-old, who was branded a rapist by a judge in a civil court in 2017.

Goodwillie and fellow footballer David Robertson were ordered to pay Denise Clair £100,000 in the civil action after a criminal case was dropped.

Since his arrival from Clyde on Monday night was announced, crime writer and Rovers sponsor Val McDermid announced she would no longer back the club and declared intention to withdraw financial support from next season.

McDermid was followed by Rovers women's captain Tyler Rattray, supporter liaison officer Margie Robertson, supporter director Andrew Mill and stadium announcer Johnny MacDonald as they all quit on Tuesday.

But the Championship side, insisting they "acknowledge the gravity of what happened", are standing by Goodwillie, who has maintained his innocence since being accused in 2011.

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A club statement said: "As announced on our website last night, Raith Rovers FC can confirm that we have signed David Goodwillie from Clyde FC.

"David is a proven goal