Aberdeen Fan Sentenced for Throwing Seat, Causing Injury to Player
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after inflicting serious injuries and permanent disfigurement on Aberdeen footballer Jack MacKenzie by throwing a piece of seating onto the pitch. The incident occurred during a match between Aberdeen and Dundee United on 17 May 2025.
The Incident
David Gowans, 31, was responsible for the projectile that struck MacKenzie in the face following Dundee United’s 2-1 victory, which secured their placement in the European competition. The attack occurred while fans encroached onto the pitch, celebrating their team’s success.
The assault resulted in MacKenzie sustaining a “deep 2in laceration” to his left eyebrow and a “5cm abrasion” underneath his left eye. After being hit, MacKenzie required medical attention on the field and was subsequently taken away in a wheelchair.
Court Proceedings
Gowans pleaded guilty to culpable and reckless conduct at Dundee Sheriff Court in November. During his sentencing on Monday, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael described Gowans’ actions as “selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible.” He emphasized that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate response to the incident.
Prosecutor Lee Corr revealed that Gowans had communicated with the Aberdeen FC supporters liaison officer, Lynne Fiske, admitting his involvement in throwing the seat. In these texts, he claimed he did not intend to target anyone and described the act as a “disastrous mistake.” Despite Ms Fiske’s advice to report to the authorities, Gowans failed to do so and was later arrested.
Consequences and Repercussions
As a result of his actions, Gowans has been banned from attending Aberdeen FC matches for life. His case underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in football stadiums, especially during high-stakes matches when crowd behaviour can escalate.
Background
This incident is part of a worrying trend concerning unruly fan behaviour in sports. The repercussions extend beyond individual players and can impact the entire community, illustrating how violence and misconduct in sports can have far-reaching implications for clubs and their supporters.
Source: Original Article
