Dundee FC star Paul McGowan has avoided a jail sentence after assaulting a bouncer at a city nightclub.
The 30-year-old had previously admitted spitting at Underground doorman Andrew MacLaughlan on May 14.
At Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday morning he was handed a community payback order and given a restriction of liberty order.
Sheriff John Rafferty told McGowan he had only “narrowly avoided” a custodial sentence.
The order means McGowan will be confined to his home between the hours of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7pm to 7am.
He is also required to pay £200 compensation to his victim within 12 months.
It comes just two days after the midfielder featured in Dundee’s first competitive game of the season — a 4-0 away victory over Stirling Albion in the Scottish League Cup.
Dundee FC chairman John Nelms was in attendance at court to hear the outcome with the club later releasing a statement voicing their support for McGowan.
The spokesperson 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.”
