Rapist footballer David Goodwillie sacked by new club hours after scoring debut hat-trick

David Goodwillie has been released from his latest club after netting a hat-trick on his debut.

Goodwillie, who was ruled to be a rapist in a civil case in 2017 and ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge, turned out for seventh-tier Radcliffe FC on Tuesday evening. Goodwillie never faced criminal charges because prosecutors said there was not enough evidence.

There has been significant backlash from numerous clubs he has since joined, including Radcliffe. Goodwillie was included on their team sheet for a clash with Belper Town, despite not being formally announced, and he netted a hat-trick in a 4-2 win.

READ MORE: Raith Rovers axe David Goodwillie after angry backlash over rape ruling

However, less than 24 hours after the game, Goodwillie has been released from the club. Radcliffe said in a statement: “We can confirm that David Goodwillie has left the club.

“As a club, we have always been about second chances and have been a part of many players and staff members rehabilitation along that journey. We’ve always given people a chance to improve their life and found support in this endeavour.

“When the club were presented with David Goodwillie that same logic was applied. But in this case, it’s clear that was a significant misstep and our due diligence should have been of a much higher standard.”

The club also added: “This is a mistake that will never happen again.”

The 33-year-old was released by Raith Rovers in September following a high-profile backlash over the club signing him.

Board members of Raith Rovers resigned, sponsors pulled out and there was heavy criticism from fans, Rape Crisis Scotland, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

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