Aberdeen fan who struck and disfigured footballer Jack MacKenzie after throwing seat at game jailed

A man who left a football player with a serious injury and permanent facial disfigurement by throwing part of a seat on to the pitch has been jailed for 18 months.

David Gowans, 31, launched the projectile following a league match between Aberdeen and Dundee United at Tannadice on 17 May 2025.

It struck then Aberdeen player Jack MacKenzie in the face, leaving him with a "deep 2in laceration" to his left eyebrow and a "5cm abrasion" below his left eye.

The incident occurred as fans invaded the pitch following Dundee United's 2-1 win - which secured them fourth spot in the Scottish Premiership and a place in Europe.

MacKenzie, who now plays for Plymouth Argyle, was struck after he had gone to the area of the pitch in front of the travelling Aberdeen FC fans to thank them for their support.

Sheriff Alastair Carmichael was shown CCTV footage of the incident, which showed MacKenzie lying on the pitch receiving medical attention. He was later taken off the pitch in a wheelchair.

Gowans pleaded guilty to culpable and reckless conduct at Dundee Sheriff Court in November.

He was sentenced on Monday.

Sheriff Carmichael described Gowans' actions as "selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible".

He added: "There is no reasonable alternative to a custodial sentence."

Prosecutor Lee Corr previously told the court that on the day of the incident, Gowans sent text messages to Aberdeen FC supporters liaison officer Lynne Fiske, in which he admitted he had thrown the seat.

In one message, the father-of-one said he "wasn't aiming at anything or anyone" and that the section of seat had just been "there right next to me".

He described it as "a disastrous mistake".

Ms Fiske advised him to turn himself into the police, but Gowans did not and was arrested and charged a couple of days later.

He was also given a lifetime ban by Aberdeen FC.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

Click here to read article