North Lanarkshire Council ban Clyde’s David Goodwillie from Broadwood Stadium

David Goodwillie has been banned from playing at Clyde’s home ground by North Lanarkshire Council.

The striker, who was branded a rapist by a civil court in 2017, rejoined the club on loan earlier this week after the backlash following his move to Raith Rovers in the January transfer window.

But, in a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the council said that Goodwillie “must not be permitted access to the stadium, for any purpose, with immediate effect” and said that they would “consider the contract to have been breached” if he did.

The council operate the community sports complex at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, where Clyde have played since 1994.

They referred to a clause in the contract “which entitles the council to refuse entry to the stadium to any individual on the grounds of undesirable behaviour.”

The council said they had also informed Clyde that they do not intend to renew the lease with the club for use of the stadium when it expires in May 2023.

It follows Clyde Ladies’ announcement that they “no longer wish to play” for the club following the signing of Goodwillie.

The council can confirm that it has written to Clyde FC this afternoon and have exercised our rights under the terms of our contract with Clyde FC for their use of Broadwood Stadium.

Full statement here:https://t.co/W4HYQdrXTh pic.twitter.com/0td2uvdKw4

— NorthLanCouncil (@nlcpeople) March 3, 2022

The council statement added: “The council utterly condemns all and any violence towards, or abuse of, women. We offer a range of services to support women who experience abuse, through Rape Crisis Lanarkshire and Aura, and we would urge anyone in this position to make contact.

“The council believes in rehabilitation, and has services which provide this. However, Mr Goodwillie has not expressed any contrition in relation to the rape which the court found he had committed in the civil action against him. In re-signing Mr Goodwillie, Clyde FC has not acknowledged that background or community concerns, instead choosing to focus on enabling Mr Goodwillie to play football.

“We regret that this action is necessary. However, the council has a responsibility to the wider community to act, and to send a clear signal that abuse must not be tolerated.

“We also note that some people have questioned why the council is only taking action now given that Mr Goodwillie has played for Clyde for a number of years.  For clarity, the stadium was previously under the control of North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd which, while previously paid by the council for management of a range of services and facilities, is a separate legal entity. The council was unable to direct the company in relation to this matter. The stadium, and all the services of the company, have reverted to direct council control.

“The council will have no further comment to make.”

Goodwillie was Clyde captain when he left for Raith Rovers in January. The move prompted the Fife club’s main sponsor and prominent fan Val McDermid to withdraw her support, as well as several resignations within the club.

The women’s team also split from Raith in protest, a move which has been followed by Clyde Ladies.

In a statement they said: “We can today confirm the general manager/secretary of Clyde Ladies has resigned on hearing the news of the return of David Goodwillie to the club.

“All of the players in the ladies team have discussed the situation with the general manager/secretary and they are ALL in agreement that we no longer wish to play for Clyde FC. This will start with immediate effect.

“As a group of female footballers all we wish to do is play the sport that we love but due to the current circumstances we are unable to do this.

“At this time we wish to ensure the well-being and privacy of our players therefore we would ask that players are not approached personally for comment regarding this matter.”