Nicola Sturgeon has condemned footballer David Goodwillie's move back to Clyde FC following major public outcry at his signing for Raith Rovers earlier this year.
The 32-year-old has moved back to his former team on loan from Raith Rovers after bosses at the club were forced into a U-turn after backlash from supporters and sponsors.
In 2017, Goodwillie was ordered to pay damages in a civil court after he was ruled to have raped a woman, six years after he was initially charged.
Furious supporters demanded an end to his contact and sponsor Val McDermid pulled her support while the women's team rebranded as McDermid Ladies and ditched the club badge
Goodwillie has now returned to Clyde on loan until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Criticising the move, the First Minister tweeted: "For the record, I think this is as wrong as the signing by Raith Rovers.
"I strongly support rehabilitation but it must start with remorse.
"Someone who has shown none for the trauma he caused cannot be a sporting role model."
Sturgeon also shared a post from Rape Crisis Scotland branding the move as a "shameful decision".
The full statement said: "Footballers are role models; it is not okay to have someone in this position who has been found by a senior judge to be a rapist.
"This is a shameful decision that sends yet another clear message of disregard to survivors of rape and sexual violence."
Clyde FC confirmed Goodwillie's return to the club in a statement on their website.
They said: "Following an initial approach by Raith Rovers, and subsequent agreement between the two clubs, we can confirm that David Goodwillie has returned to Broadwood on loan until the end of the 2021-22 season.
"This enables David to return to first team activities including training and playing and, in doing so, continue his career in football at the current time."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
