GLASGOW Clan fans have raised over £1700 for a rape crisis charity after a controversial decision to sign a player reportedly accused of rape.

We previously reported that the head coach and chief executive of ice hockey team Glasgow Clan had been suspended after the decision took a dramatic U-turn last week.

The Clan announced the signing of Finnish defenceman Lasse Uusivirta on Thursday, but two hours later a further statement confirmed he would no longer be joining the club.

READ MORE: Glasgow Clan head coach and chief executive suspended amid 'signing of Lasse Uusivirta'

Uusivirta, 33, was reportedly arrested in the United States over allegations of rape in 2013 but allegedly fled to his native Finland with no intention of returning, according to the assistant district attorney who handled the case.

Now hockey fans have "turned a negative into a positive" and donated to a fundraiser, kickstarted by Clan fan Callum Yorke.

Callum organised the fundraiser on JustGiving with all proceeds going to Rape Crisis Centre. 

He posted: "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 £1 it will make a huge difference.

"Since 1976 the Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre has been providing free and confidential support to women and girls who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused, no matter when this has happened in their lives. 

"If you can please show your support."

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We previously told that the move has left many hockey fans feeling 'alienated' from the club, with one telling the Glasgow Times: “Fans won't tolerate sports clubs who have no morals or integrity any longer.”

Another added: “This is a massive failing on the club's part, many fans feel very let down."

Rape Crisis Scotland released a statement following the signing saying that they felt "discouraged" by the decision.

A spokesperson said: "Earlier this year, we were deeply disappointed by Raith Rovers FC's decision to David Goodwillie, who was found by a senior judge to be a rapist.

"Yesterday, we found ourselves again discouraged by the actions of management in Scottish sports when Glasgow Clan ice hockey club announced the signing of Lasse Uusivirta, who was arrested on allegations of a rape charge in the US in 2013 and left the country before he could be brought to trial.

"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.

"These decisions can be re-traumatising for survivors and decision-makers must be held accountable for the harm caused by their actions.

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. It's past time that decision-makers follow their lead."

To donate to Callum's fundraiser, click here.