Fans of beleaguered ice hockey team Glasgow Clan have raised almost £1,800 for a rape crisis charity over the weekend following the club's mismanaged signing - and subsequent dumping - of a player accused of sexual assault.
Supporter Callum Yorke launched a JustGiving page in support of Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis after the team announced it had signed Finnish defender Lasse Uusivirta on Thursday before performing an almost immediate U-turn following an outcry from fans. The 33-year-old was arrested on rape charges in the United States in 2013 but fled the country before he could stand trial.
Callum, who runs a fan page for supporters of the Scots ice hockey side, says he wanted to turn a "negative into a positive" by supporting victims of sexual assault. The page has since raised £1,785 for the charity, which has applauded fans' initiative and kindness in the wake of the disastrous signing.
Callum said on the page: "It’s been a difficult 24 hours as fans of our team the Glasgow Clan. Their latest signing directed a lot of bad feeling and anger at the club.
"With that signing now reversed and an investigation pending we as fans want to show our support for victims of rape and their families and try and turn the negative into a positive. This page is to do just that.
"I have donated what I usually spend on a normal hockey game night to this very worthy cause and if you can spare even a pound it will make a huge difference."
Claudia Macdonald, CEO of Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis, said: "Every time women see men’s vocations put before their lives and rights, another part of society fractures. Our message to survivors of rape and sexual assault is we believe you; we are here and we are by your side. Thanks to those who have stood up for survivors today."
Fans turned on Glasgow Clan bosses immediately after Uusivirta's signing was announced, with many pointing out the outstanding allegations against him in the States. Uusivirta previously played for the University of Alabama in Huntsville's ice hockey team, and during that time was arrested by US cops on charges of raping a UAH student.
He fled the country and has never returned, under threat of being arrested the moment he touches down on US soil. Clan staff appear to have been aware of the allegations at the time of signing Uusivirta, incorrectly stating that he had been "cleared" of charges in a video interview that was removed from the Clan website hours after it first appeared.
Glasgow Clan withdrew Uusivirta signing hours after it was announced, with club chairman Neil Black announcing an investigation and the immediate suspension of chief executive Gareth Chalmers and head coach Malcolm Cameron. Player-assistant coach Stephen Dixon took charge of the team for its matches over the weekend.
However, the damage has already been done, with sponsors warning that they may have to reconsider their relationship with the club. Rape Crisis Scotland slammed the signing as "disgraceful".
It said in a statement published on Friday: "Signing men who have been accused of sexual crimes sends the entirely wrong message. It says that men's athletic abilities are worth more than the lives of the women they've harmed.
"While we are frustrated and disappointed that sports club officials have again put sport over survivors, we have been heartened by the response from fans. As with the Raith Rovers signing, fans of Glasgow Clan have stood in solidarity with survivors by objecting to the signing so powerfully that the decision has become untenable.
"We want to thank them for taking a stand and supporting survivors. There's a long way to go in tackling men's violence against women and girls in sport, but fans in Scotland have been clear, they will no longer tolerate it."
Callum's fundraiser can be viewed here.
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