In a shocking incident of football violence, a fan of Aberdeen Football Club has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for throwing a seat onto the pitch, severely injuring his own team’s player. The incident occurred on 17 May 2025 during a Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Aberdeen at Tannadice.
31-year-old David Gowans, who was part of the Aberdeen ultras supporter group, admitted to the offence of culpable and reckless conduct after the projectile he threw struck Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie. MacKenzie, who has since joined Plymouth, suffered a “deep 2-inch laceration” to his left eyebrow and a “5cm abrasion” below his left eye, leaving him “permanently disfigured”.
Passing the sentence at Dundee Sheriff Court, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael described Gowans’ actions as “selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible”. He stated that Gowans must have known the potential for the thrown object to hit someone, and if he didn’t consider this, “the level of recklessness is staggering”.
The sheriff also highlighted the wider implications of the incident, noting that it could have triggered further disorder in the crowd at the football match. He emphasised that a custodial sentence was necessary to adequately punish Gowans and deter others from similar behaviour.
In addition to the 18-month jail term, Gowans was handed a 10-year football banning order, the maximum period the sheriff could impose. The Aberdeen fan had also been given a lifetime ban by his club.
Gowans’ lawyer, Larry Flynn, told the court that his client was heavily intoxicated at the time and had missed the supporters’ bus home, having to take a taxi instead. Flynn said Gowans was “extremely embarrassed” by the incident and accepted that he had let himself and his football club down.
The shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for football fans to behave responsibly and the consequences that can arise from reckless actions. The sentencing of Gowans sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and will be met with severe punishment.
