A Scottish football fan has been warned he faces a potential prison sentence after throwing part of a stadium seat that left an Aberdeen defender with permanent facial disfigurement.
The Incident at Tannadice
The violent episode occurred on 17 May following a Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Dundee United at Tannadice stadium. David Gowans, a 31-year-old father-of-one, threw a plastic seat section onto the pitch as players acknowledged supporters after the final whistle.
The projectile struck Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie, who had approached the travelling Aberdeen fans to thank them for their support. The impact caused immediate serious injury, with MacKenzie requiring several minutes of medical attention on the pitch before being removed in a wheelchair.
Severe Injuries and Permanent Damage
Prosecutor Lee Corr detailed the extent of MacKenzie's injuries during Friday's hearing at Dundee Sheriff Court. The defender suffered a deep two-inch laceration to his left eyebrow and a five-centimetre abrasion below his left eye.
Mr Corr confirmed the injuries have resulted in permanent disfigurement for the professional footballer. The court was shown photographic evidence depicting MacKenzie lying beside the square plastic seat fragment that struck him.
Aftermath and Admission of Guilt
Gowans, who was a member of the Aberdeen ultras supporters group at the time, subsequently sent text messages to the club's supporters liaison officer Lynne Fisk admitting his responsibility. In these messages, presented to the court, he claimed he "wasn't aiming at anything or anyone" and described the act as a "disastrous mistake".
Despite being advised to surrender himself immediately, Gowans expressed preference for apologising directly to the club and injured player. He was arrested and charged several days later and received a lifetime ban from Aberdeen FC.
Gowans pleaded guilty to culpable and reckless conduct last month. Appearing in Dundee Sheriff Court dressed in a dark blue suit, he spoke only to confirm his identity and address.
Sentencing Warning
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentencing until 12 January next year to allow for background reports but delivered a stark warning about the likely outcome.
"Mr Gowans, you have pleaded guilty to culpable and reckless behaviour," Sheriff Carmichael stated. "You did this in the context of being in the crowd at a football match. Your behaviour resulted in a severe injury and permanent disfigurement to one of the players. When all of this is taken together, the custodial threshold has been passed."
The sheriff noted that reports might suggest alternatives to imprisonment but emphasised that all sentencing options remain open for consideration when Gowans returns to court in the new year.
