A football supporter has been handed an 18-month prison sentence for throwing a seat which caused severe injury to Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie during a match.
Violent Incident at Tannadice
The attack occurred on 17 May at Tannadice stadium. David Gowans, a 32-year-old Aberdeen supporter, launched a stadium seat as a projectile. It struck player Jack MacKenzie, inflicting serious wounds.
The impact caused a deep 2-inch laceration and a 5cm abrasion on MacKenzie, injuries described as leaving him with permanent disfigurement. The incident happened during a Scottish Premiership fixture.
Court Sentencing and Condemnation
At Dundee Sheriff Court, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael did not mince words when sentencing Gowans, who had admitted to culpable and reckless conduct. The sheriff branded Gowans' actions as “selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible.”
Sheriff Carmichael emphasised the need for the sentence to reflect public disapproval and act as a deterrent for such reckless behaviour at football matches. In addition to the custodial term, Gowans received a 10-year football banning order.
Lifetime Ban and Remorse
Aberdeen Football Club has imposed a lifetime ban on Gowans, prohibiting him from attending any of the club's matches in the future.
Gowans' defence lawyer stated his client was heavily inebriated at the time of the offence and was now “extremely embarrassed” by what he called a “disastrous mistake.” This, however, was not considered a mitigating factor sufficient to avoid a prison sentence given the severity of the consequences.
The case highlights the ongoing issues of fan disorder and the serious legal repercussions that can follow acts of violence in sports grounds, particularly when players are targeted.
