A SCOTTISH football club is suffering a furious backlash from fans after signing a convicted sex offender.
Edinburgh City have signed full-back Craig Thomson who pleaded guilty in June 2011 to inappropriate conduct towards two underage girls over the internet.
The 26-year-old was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and never played for his then club, Hearts, again.
After a loan spell in Lithuania with Kaunas and spells with Scottish junior teams, the Ladbrokes League Two club have given him a return to league football.
However, fans of the Meadowbank club have taken to Twitter to vent their fury.
LOC Locatelli wrote: “Refund for season ticket? Was looking forward to the season starting as well. Brutal times. But will not be back as long as he is there.
“Shocking signing that will keep fans away from the games. Most likely a protest at Ainslie park soon. No laughing matter when your team sign a beast.”
Ash Wilson also looked to hand his season ticket back and replied: “No one has got back to me about mine yet. Don’t hold your breath. Doubt we’ll see that money again.”
Dave Azpi wrote: “Massive decision as a club on your part. Can I ask, will supporters feel safe to bring their kids along to matches? I certainly wouldn’t.”
Linda Ann Black responded: “Hubby goes quite a few times when Dons ain’t involved. Won’t be going back and certainly not taking my wee one while he plays at club.”
McGregor wrote: “Let’s hope Edinburgh City get relegated now. Shambles of a football club.
Why would anyone take their kid to a City game?”
Whilst Marcareeno added: “Can’t believe we have signed this convicted idiot. Too much baggage and toxic in the extreme. No second chances with that conviction.”
Others wished the former Scotland Under 21 international well.
Grant wrote: “Good luck to Craig Thomson. Would be interesting if he scored a last minute winner to keep city up what people would say then.”
And AEM added: “Some of the comments here are as embarrassing as the signing. Feart to take your kids to City games? Behave yourself.”
On their Twitter page, Edinburgh City wrote: “Edinburgh City FC today announces the signing of former Scotland Under 21 International, Craig Thomson.
“The Club acknowledges Craig’s previous conviction in 2011 for offences he committed in 2010 and does not condone his behaviour in any way.
“However, the club’s board, management, playing staff and main sponsor collectively believe that Craig has completed his rehabilitation and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to return to playing in the SPFL.”
