SCOTTISH crime author Val McDermid has issued a withering response to Raith Rovers after the football club posted a “tone deaf” tweet on International Women’s Day (IWD).

The Kirkcaldy team came under intense fire in recent months after it decided to sign David Goodwillie from Clyde FC.

The signing of the striker, who had been branded a rapist by a civil court, sparked outrage, with high-profile voices including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking out against the decision.

READ MORE: Everything wrong with Raith Rovers' statement on the David Goodwillie signing

McDermid, who had been the team’s shirt sponsor, pulled her support, and the women’s team disaffiliated, instead playing as the McDermid Ladies.

But on Tuesday, to mark IWD, Raith Rovers tweeted: “Imagine a gender equal world.

“A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias #IWD22”

The post was widely criticised, with Twitter users branding it “tone deaf”.

“They think we've got the memory of a goldfish or something?” one user asked.

Although she didn’t directly respond to the post, McDermid made clear she had seen it on her own Twitter account.

“I just want to say categorically for the record that contrary to some speculation, I have NOT hacked @RaithRovers Twitter account,” she wrote.

Asked if she would like to, McDermid responded: “I don’t think I need to bother…”

Reacting to the post, fellow crime writer Abir Mukherjee quipped: “They deserve to be relegated on grounds of sheer brass neck.”