Aberdeen fan jailed for injuring footballer Jack MacKenzie

Man Jailed for Throwing Seat at Football Match

A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for injuring a football player by throwing part of a seat onto the pitch. David Gowans, 31, threw the projectile after a league match between Aberdeen and Dundee United at Tannadice on 17 May 2025.

The seat struck then Aberdeen player Jack MacKenzie in the face. This left him with a “deep 2in laceration” to his left eyebrow and a “5cm abrasion” below his left eye.

The incident happened as fans invaded the pitch after Dundee United’s 2-1 win. This victory secured Dundee United fourth place in the Scottish Premiership and a spot in Europe.

Details of the Incident

MacKenzie, who now plays for Plymouth Argyle, was hit after he went to thank the travelling Aberdeen FC fans. Sheriff Alastair Carmichael reviewed CCTV footage showing MacKenzie lying on the pitch while 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.

Reactions and Consequences

Sheriff Carmichael called Gowans’ actions “selfish, stupid, dangerous and utterly irresponsible.” He stated, “There is no reasonable alternative to a custodial sentence.”

Prosecutor Lee Corr informed the court that Gowans had sent text messages to Aberdeen FC supporters liaison officer Lynne Fiske on the day of the incident. In these messages, he admitted to throwing the seat.

In one message, the father-of-one claimed he “wasn’t aiming at anything or anyone” and that the seat had just been “there right next to me.” He called it “a disastrous mistake.”

Ms. Fiske advised him to turn himself into the police, but he did not. Gowans was arrested and charged a couple of days later. He also received a lifetime ban from Aberdeen FC.