Raith Rovers have issued an apology to angry fans over the signing of David Goodwillie - and announced the striker will not play for the club.
Chairman John Sim has admitted "we got it wrong" and revealed talks will take place with the 32-year-old over his contractual position.
Goodwillie was judged to be a rapist in a civil court in 2017, with he and former player David Robertson ordered to pay damages.
A number of club figures quit in the wake of the player's deadline day arrival from Clyde, and their entire women's team announced intention to break away from the Raith Rovers name.
Raith initially defended the signing, describing it as a "footballing decision".
But following mounting supporter anger and widespread condemnation - including from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - the club have said sorry.
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Sim wrote in a statement: "I firstly want to apologise wholeheartedly to our fans, sponsors, players and the wider Raith Rovers community for the anguish and anger caused over the past few days.
"We got it wrong.
"In reaching our original decision, we focused far too much on football matters and not enough on what this decision would mean for our club and the community as a whole.
"Over the past couple of days, we listened carefully to the fans who have got in touch and I’m very grateful for their honesty. As chairman, as a board and as a management team, we have all learned a hard but valuable lesson.
"This very unfortunate episode is something that we all bitterly regret and we are now wholly committed to making things right. I can therefore confirm that, following a meeting of the Raith Rovers board, the player will not be selected by Raith Rovers and we will enter into discussions with the player regarding his contractual position.
"We share a desire to do what is best for our club and will be doing everything in our power to regain the trust and confidence of the Raith Rovers family.
"Chairman
"On Behalf of the Board of Raith Rovers FC"