17 hours ago
Scottish footballer sends opponent to HOSPITAL after on-field confrontation turns violent
The victim required stitches and for his tooth to be re-inserted after the brief confrontation
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A SCOTTISH football match turned violent as one player sent another to hospital after a brief confrontation.
The offending player has appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the charge.
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A Scottish footballer was sent to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after a confrontation on the pitch
Credit: Alamy
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The offender appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to the offence
Credit: Alamy
Stephen McGachy, of Arrochar, was playing in an over-40s match at the Mountblow football pitches in Clydebank.
Just after the hour mark, McGachy was fouled by an opponent and became embroiled in an argument over the severity of the tackle.
The player pushed McGachy, who then knocked the other man to the ground.
He split his lip and was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where he needed 10 stitches and his incisor tooth had to be re-inserted.
McGachy appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to the February 19, 2023 assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
He had originally appeared on petition for a more serious version of the charge.
Sheriff Kevin Duffy accepted that McGachy was a first offender and he pleaded guilty at the earliest stage, and that the crime was under provocation.
He fined McGachy £400, plus a victim surcharge of £20, as well as having to pay £200 in compensation to the other player.
Sheriff Duffy said: "Clearly this offence is out of character."
McGachy's lawyer Judith Reid added: "This matter has hung over him for some considerable period of time.
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"The statement from the match official makes clear that the complainer pushed the accused.
"Both teams were up in umbrage about the tackle.
"A man who had difficulties in his childhood has done everything to move on and lead a trouble-free life. He has not been in any trouble since.
"He fully appreciates the complainer had suffered an injury and might merit compensation, despite the provocation.
"I think the injuries are more unfortunate as a result of the physical altercation that started as a result of the complainer."
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