Controversial footballer banned from Scottish ground

Former Scotland striker David Goodwillie, found by a civil court in 2017 to have raped a woman, has been banned from third-tier Clyde’s stadium by its owners.

The 32-year-old striker rejoined the Scottish club on loan this week following uproar over his recent move to Raith Rovers.

Fans and sponsors of Raith were furious the club had signed Goodwillie, who had been playing for Clyde before his move in January.

But North Lanarkshire Council, which owns Broadwood Stadium, said Thursday: “We have informed the club (Clyde) that David Goodwillie must not be permitted access to the stadium, for any purpose, with immediate effect.

“Should Mr Goodwillie enter the stadium, we will consider the contract to have been breached and we will take immediate steps to terminate it.

“In addition, we have informed Clyde FC that the council intends not to renew the lease with the club when the contract for the use of Broadwood Stadium expires in May 2023.”

Goodwillie’s move to Championship club Raith provoked an outcry among Rovers fans.

Former British prime minister Gordon Brown, a longstanding Raith supporter, said he “cannot support this signing” and the captain of the club’s women’s team quit in protest.

Clyde Ladies Football Club announced on Wednesday that their general manager had resigned and all of their players no longer wished to play for the club.