A football supporter has been sent to prison after throwing part of a plastic seat at a player from his own team, causing severe and permanent facial injuries.
Violent Incident After Final Whistle
The attack occurred on 17 May last year following a Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Dundee United. As the game concluded, former Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie approached the travelling Dons supporters to thank them for their backing.
It was at this moment that David Gowans, a 31-year-old Aberdeen fan, launched a fragment of a seat. The object struck MacKenzie in the face, inflicting what prosecutors described as a 'severe injury'.
Lasting Injuries and Court Sentencing
MacKenzie sustained a deep two-inch laceration to his left eyebrow and a five-centimetre abrasion below his left eye. Medical reports confirmed these wounds have left the footballer permanently disfigured.
Gowans, a father-of-one, admitted to culpable and reckless conduct at Dundee Sheriff Court in November. On Monday, 12 January, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael sentenced him to 18 months in prison.
During sentencing, Sheriff Carmichael condemned Gowans' actions as 'selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible', stating there was 'no reasonable alternative to a custodial sentence'.
Aftermath and Lifetime Ban
The court heard that Gowans had sent text messages to the club's supporters' liaison officer on the day of the incident, immediately admitting he threw the seat but claiming he 'wasn't aiming at anything or anyone'.
After failing to hand himself in, he was arrested by police a few days later. In addition to his prison term, Aberdeen FC has issued Gowans with a lifetime ban from all matches.
Jack MacKenzie has since left Aberdeen and now plays for Plymouth Argyle in England's League One.
