Raith Rovers: Women's team play first game since split over David Goodwillie signing

The women’s team formerly associated with Scottish outfit Raith Rovers has played its first fixture since disbanding from the club.

Now known as McDermid Ladies, the side cut ties after Raith signed rapist David Goodwillie earlier this month.

The team is named after best-selling crime author and shirt sponsor Val McDermid.

The novelist pulled her sponsorship from Raith Rovers following the signing of Goodwillie. Women’s team captain Tyler Rattray also resigned from the club, ending her 10-year tenure.

McDermid expressed her disgust with the club she has supported all her life and branded the acquisition of the player as “despicable.”

Similarly, Rattray expressed she wanted “nothing to do” with Raith in the wake of the news.

After 10 long years playing for raith, it’s gutting I have given up now because they have signed someone like this and I want nothing to do with it! It was good being captain of raith while it lasted. https://t.co/5N4hDymGes

The Scottish Championship outfit initially doubled down on the Goodwillie announcement, backing it as a “football related decision” based on his ability to score goals.

The jarring statement sparked even more backlash, and the club were condemned by Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon and Rape Crisis Scotland.

After the widespread criticism, Raith Rovers released a further statement admitting they had “got it wrong” and would not be selecting the player. Chairman John Sim said everyone at the club has “learned a hard but valuable lesson.”

The club has also said the board will be entering discussions with Goodwillie regarding his contract, which was initially expected to run until 2024.

However, it has all come too little too late.

McDermid, who became a shirt sponsor