Professional footballer who spat on nightclub bouncer spared jail 'by narrow margin'

Dundee FC player ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and must be fitted with a tag for two months

Midfielder McGowan, 30, has made 130 appearances for his club since joining in 2014 (Rex Features)

A footballer who spat on a bouncer outside a nightclub has avoided prison by a "narrow margin".

Dundee FC's Paul McGowan admitted assaulting Andrew MacLaughlan after being escorted from a nightclub in the city's South Tay Street at around 1.45am on Monday, May 14.

At Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday he was ordered to pay his victim compensation and be fitted with a tag while under curfew.

The court heard the 30-year-old midfielder had been punched on the head by a man and was aiming for his alleged attacker when he spat, although the procurator fiscal could not confirm this version of events.

The incident was said to have been after an awards ceremony at a hotel in the city, which was followed by further drinking in the nightclub with teammates.

The footballer's lawyer Elaine Rae said his action were caused by drinking too much alcohol, but that he apologised for his actions and was embarrassed by them.

McGowan, who has previous assault convictions, turned up late to his hearing, with his lawyer saying he thought it started later.

Sheriff John Rafferty said: "I find that a difficult mistake to understand.

"Unlike many other people who appear in this court, you are someone who has particular skill, talent and advantages in life.

"You have been before the criminal courts on a number of occasions since 2010, some have been on crimes of violence."

He added a jail sentence had been avoided by a "narrow margin" and ordered him to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within nine months and pay £200 compensation to his victim within a month.

McGowan, who lives in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, was also told he must be fitted with a tag and restricted from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two months.

He has made 130 appearances for the club since joining in 2014, scoring six goals.

In a statement the club said: "Dundee FC can confirm Paul McGowan has been handed a limited Liberty Restriction Order and a Community Payback Order in court this morning.

"The club does not condone the behaviour which has led to this and we respect the decision made by the court.

"We will support Paul through this process.

"The club will be making no further comment on the matter."

Press Association