TRANENT FC have released a statement following backlash at the signing of Jordon Forster from Kelty Hearts.

The former Hibernian star signed for the Belters last week but appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday in relation to domestic abuse charges.

Forster, from Gorebridge, pleaded guilty to an amended domestic abuse charge when he appeared in the dock.

He had repeatedly turned up at the home and workplace of his girlfriend and accessed her phone without permission.

Forster also shouted, swore and called the woman derogatory names over a period of seven months.

The defender also admitted to causing the woman fear and alarm by acting aggressively towards her on several occasions during their relationship between May and December last year.

READ MORE: Former Hibernian star Jordon Forster admits being abusive to partner

Tranent acknowledged these charges in a statement posted yesterday evening on the club website.

It said: "Tranent Football Club acknowledge the decision of our current player, Jordon Forster, to plead guilty to an amended domestic abuse charge at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.

"Whilst we deplore any and all forms of domestic abuse, we also believe in the value of rehabilitation.

"Jordon has shown nothing but remorse as well as a willingness to correct his actions and, as a club, taking into account the thoughts and opinions of our management, committee, sponsors, colts and our supporters, we are encouraging and assisting Jordon with his reformation."

However, the statement received considerable negative feedback on social media, with many suggesting it did not line up with Tranent's image as a community club.

READ MORE: Ex-Hibernian defender Jordon Forster joins Tranent FC

Lee-Ann Menzies, councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, also shared her disappointment with the signing of Forster, but did not go as far as suggesting the club should let him go.

She said: "As a supporter and 1911 club member of Tranent FC, I am disappointed with the recent signing of Jordon Forster.

"Given that these charges were in the public domain, it would be difficult for the decision-makers at the club not to have known that Mr Forster was accused of domestic abuse.

"I fully believe in innocent until proven guilty but Mr Forster has now admitted some of the charges and has therefore admitted his guilt. He is guilty of domestic abuse.

"Tranent is a community club. It sits at our heart in Foresters Park and it depends on volunteers and the hard-earned cash of those who support. My husband and I are both 1911 Club members, offering continued support to the club we follow and love.

"I don’t believe that the club should simply let Mr Forster go. The fact that he has admitted his guilt to some of the charges could be an indication that he is remorseful.

"Only he will know the extent of this. However, what it does indicate is that he may be willing to work on himself to ensure that his actions, in future, don’t become abusive or violent.

"I have therefore written to the club to ask that they work with White Ribbon Scotland [an organisation which tackles violence against women]. I genuinely believe that there could be a positive outcome for the club and our communities through this action."