Aberdeen FC - Other News

Shockers, Scandals, The Great Mystery...

1903 - 2030

Read more

Aberdeen F.C.

Shockers

26 Nov 2023,
Celtic Women 13 v 0 Aberdeen Women, Scottish Womens Premier League - Manager Clinton Lancaster

Celtic recorded the largest win of the SWPL season as they thrashed Aberdeen 13-0 at the Excelsior Stadium - BBC Sport Scotland dated Sunday 26 Nov 2023

12 Nov 2023,
Celtic 6 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership - Manager Barry Robson

Brendan Rodgers praised his table-topping Celtic side for putting behind them the "pain" of their midweek thrashing by Atletico Madrid with a symmetrical 6-0 dismantling of a dismal Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership - BBC Sport Scotland dated Sunday 12 Nov 2023

03 Sep 2023,
Aberdeen 0 v 2 Hibernian, Scottish Premiership - Manager Barry Robson
(at Pittodrie, Aberdeen's worst start to the season in 11 years, Hibernian were last in the Scottish Premiership no wins, and had lost their last three games 11 v 2, combined score.)

Managerless Hibernian secured their first Scottish Premiership win of the season after substitutes Adam Le Fondre and Christian Doidge sunk Aberdeen - BBC Sport Scotland dated Sunday 03 Sep 2023

28 Jan 2023,
Hibernian 6 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership - Manager Jim Goodwin
(Manager Jim Goodwin was sacked after this game.)

(Jim Goodwin SACKED by Aberdeen after 6-0 Hibs embarrassment as tearful Dons chief Dave Cormack vows recovery - Scottish Daily Express dated Saturday 28 Jan 2023)

23 Jan 2023,
Darvel 1 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup 4th Rd - Manager Jim Goodwin
(Darvel were 1st in the West of Scotland League Premier Division, Level on League pyramid-6)

("The Most Shameful Result in Our History" - Aberdeen Evening Express, dated Tuesday 24 Jan 2023)

08 Oct 2022,
Dundee United 4 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership - Manager Jim Goodwin
(Dundee United were last in the Scottish Premiership no wins, Aberdeen 3rd)

("Ruthless" Dundee United got their first Scottish Premiership win of the season - BBC Scotland, dated Saturday 08 Oct 2023)

06 Nov 2010,
Celtic 9 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Premier League - Manager Mark McGhee
(Celtic finished 2nd in the Scottish Premier League)

("Atrocious Dons suffer biggest defeat in club history" - The Scotsman, dated Saturday 06 Nov 2010)

("Mark McGhee claims Aberdeen's record 9-0 defeat would have been fifteen if it wasn't for him." - Football Scotland, dated Wednesday 31 Aug 2022)

30 Jul 2009,
Aberdeen 1 v 5 Sigma Olomouc, Europa League, 3rd Prem Rd, 1st Leg - Manager Mark McGhee

("Aberdeen fell to a humiliating first leg defeat at home to Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League qualifier, first leg" - BBC Sport, dated Thursady 30 Jul 2009)

12 Apr 2008,
Queen of the South 4 v 3 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup Semi-Final - Manager Jimmy Calderwood
(Queen of the South finished 4th in the Scottish First Division, Level on League pyramid-2)

("Queen of the South reached their first ever Scottish Cup final by winning a seven-goal thriller against Aberdeen" - BBC Sport, dated Saturday 12 Apr 2008)

27 May 2000,
Rangers 4 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup Final 2000 - Manager Ebbe Skovdahl
After this match the (SFA) amended their rules for the Scottish Cup, stating that clubs could include up to five substitutes on their bench and one of those must be a recognised goalkeeper.

(Two minutes into the match, Leighton collided with Rangers' Rod Wallace which resulted in Leighton fracturing his jaw and having to be stretchered off. - The Guardian, dated Tuesday 30 May 2000)

18 Feb 1995,
Stenhousemuir 2 v 0 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup 4th Rd - Manager Roy Aitken
(Stenhousemuir finished 4th in the Scottish League Division Two, Level on League pyramid-3)

(Arthur McTague wrote: “Normally the story of such results is of a plucky wee team battling away, getting a break and holding on until the end, but frankly Terry Christie’s team outplayed their cup-laden opponents.” - Falkirk Herald Sport, dated Sunday 19 Feb 1995)

30 Jan 1965,
Celtic 8 v 0 Aberdeen, Div 1 (Old) - Manager Tommy Pearson
(The day Sir Winston Churchill is buried.)

Aberdeen F.C.

String of performances were critiqued in red.

03 Feb 2023,

Anthony Stewart's explains his Aberdeen exit as 'dominant leader' sees 'last minute' decision decide Dons future
Anthony Stewart says he only heard at the 11th hour that he was on his way out of Aberdeen.
Interim boss at Pittodrie Barry Robson says it was his decision to let this season's skipper go out on loan to MK Dons after a string of performances were critiqued in red. Jim Goodwin has been sacked by chairman Dave Cormack and a leaky Premiership defence was part of the reason why the axe came down on the Irishman. But Stewart now has hopes for a fresh start in England's third tier, where he has experience at Wycombe Wanderers.
(Anthony Stewart's explains his Aberdeen exit as 'dominant leader' sees 'last minute' decision decide Dons future. - Daily Record, dated Friday 03 Feb 2023)

Aberdeen F.C.

Ex-Aberdeen star Chris Maguire

24 Jan 2023,

Ex-Aberdeen star Chris Maguire handed football ban after breaching FA betting rules.
The Scotland international spent six years at Pittodrie and scored 16 goals in that time. The 34-year-old has been banned from all football-related activities for six weeks.
The winger, who spent the bulk of his career at Pittodrie between 2005 and 2011, was suspended indefinitely by Lincoln City in August 2022 following allegations that he had placed 52 bets on matches between March 2017 and February 2022.
(Ex-Aberdeen star Chris Maguire handed football ban after breaching FA betting rules. - Aberdeen Live, dated Tuesday 24 Jan 2023)

Aberdeen F.C.

Ex-Aberdeen player lobs belongings of 'cheating ex'

22 Jan 2023,

Ex-Aberdeen player lobs belongings of 'cheating ex' from window in online video Former Premier League star Greg Halford, who played for the Dons in 2019, shared the clip of himself throwing items out including several branded shoe boxes.
Greg Halford clocked up 29 top-flight appearances during spells with Reading, Wolves and Sunderland and also played in the Scottish Premiership with the Dons in 2019.
(Ex-Aberdeen player lobs belongings of 'cheating ex' from window in online video Former Premier League star Greg Halford. - Daily Record, dated Sunday, 22 Jan 2023)

Aberdeen F.C.

Alleged Racist Abuse

27 Dec 2022,

Anthony Stewart: Aberdeen captain responds to alleged racist abuse after St Mirren defeat.
Anthony Stewart was sent off after giving away a penalty during Aberdeen's defeat at St Mirren on Christmas Eve; the Dons captain was then sent alleged racist abuse on social media; the former Wycombe Wanderers defender said "I will not take racist abuse lightly".
Stewart was sent off after giving away a penalty during Aberdeen's 3-1 defeat to St Mirren on Saturday and has since responded to a comment made on Instagram. He said: "There is many highs and lows in this beautiful game and I take full responsibility for my mistake, which costed us three points. "However, I will not take racist abuse lightly."
An Aberdeen statement said: "We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and are shocked at the racist abuse aimed at our captain, Anthony Stewart.
"Anthony has our full support and as a club we are currently undertaking a stringent internal investigation to try to identify the person responsible.
"Aberdeen FC stands free from all forms of discrimination, and we will simply not tolerate this type of abuse."
A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Instagram, said: "No one should have to experience racist abuse and we don't want it on Instagram.
(Anthony Stewart: Aberdeen captain responds to alleged racist abuse after St Mirren defeat. - Sky Sport, dated Tuesday 27 Dec 2022)

Aberdeen F.C.

Assault Charge

04 Nov 2022,

Funso Ojo: Former Aberdeen player punched Dundee United supporter.
An Aberdeen player took off a rival supporter's glasses before punching him in the face after being goaded about being sent off, a court heard.
Funso Ojo admitted "squaring up" to Dundee United fan Donald Dewar after being sent off at Tannadice.
Ojo told Dundee's Justice of the Peace Court that he confronted Mr Dewar on the staircase after hearing comments being shouted at him.
The former Belgium under-21, who now plays for Port Vale, was fined £400.
He said Mr Dewar fell over when he was pushed and banged his head against the wall, but sprung back to his feet and came towards him again.
Ojo said he then punched the fan in the face, before his team-mate Connor MacLennan was able to pull the two men apart.
Ojo told the court: "At that moment I felt like it was a 'me or him' situation."
Ojo, 31, had denied assaulting Mr Dewar at Tannadice Park and claimed he acted in self-defence.
He denied injuring Mr Dewar by pushing him repeatedly, knocking his glasses from his head, and punching him to the head.
He was found guilty of pushing Mr Dewar and knocking his glasses off.
JP Andrew Gourlay cleared him of punching Mr Dewar and injuring him on the basis that he was acting in self-defence.
(Funso Ojo: Former Aberdeen player punched Dundee United supporter. - BBC News, dated Friday 04 Nov 2022)

Aberdeen F.C.

Drink Driving, Street Fight, Speeding & Launder Probe

24 Jun 2022,

OWN GOAL Former Aberdeen ace Shay Logan ‘full of regret’ as he admits drink driving BOOZY footy star Shay Logan claimed he’s “full of regret” after he was collared for drink driving.
The former Aberdeen ace was stopped by cops as he attempted to drive home while more than three times over the limit. Logan, 34, was hit with a £1200 fine and banned from the road for fourteen months.
( OWN GOAL Former Aberdeen ace Shay Logan ‘full of regret’ as he admits drink driving. - The Scottish Sun, dated Friday, 24 Jun 2022)

12 Jun 2022,

STREET FIGHT Ex-Aberdeen star Shay Logan caught up in street brawl after man ‘verbally abuses’ him
A video has emerged online showing the 34-year-old trading blows with the punter outside a chip shop in Aberdeen on Friday night.
(STREET FIGHT Ex-Aberdeen star Shay Logan caught up in street brawl after man ‘verbally abuses’ him. - The Sun, dated Sunday, 12 Jun 2022)

12 Jun 2022,

Ex-Aberdeen star Shay Logan faces charges in motorway speeding rap
Logan, 33, is alleged to have been caught on a hand-held speed camera by cops on the M9 near Stirling last year.
At Stirling JP Court today it was alleged that Logan, whose address was given as Wythenshawe, Manchester, was driving a Mercedes 200 at the time of the alleged offence on 26 May, 2020, at a speed of 88 miles an hour in the 70 mph limit.
(Ex-Aberdeen star Shay Logan faces charges in motorway speeding rap. - The Scottish Sun, dated Friday, 13 Aug 2021)

LAUNDER PROBE Former Aberdeen player Shay Logan nicked by cops and accused of money laundering
He was quizzed at a police station in Aberdeen and charged with an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act before being released.
Logan made almost 300 appearances for Aberdeen after he was signed by former manager Derek McInnes and became a big fan favourite.
In 2014 the right-back was at the centre of an Old Firm row when he accused Celtic star Aleksandar Tonev of racial abuse. The Bulgarian was banned for seven games.
Scott Brown — Hoops captain at the time — backed his teammate and it was claimed this led to bad blood between Brown and Logan.
In March, the Dons dropped Logan ahead of Brown signing with the club as a player-coach.
Logan, who went to Hearts for a brief loan spell earlier this year, denied there was any ill-feeling between the pair over the incident.
(LAUNDER PROBE Former Aberdeen player Shay Logan nicked by cops and accused of money laundering. - The Sun, dated Monday, 28 Jun 2021)

Aberdeen F.C.

Azerbaijan Smuggling Accusation

Europa Conference League 2021–22
19 Aug 2021 - PO, 1st Leg, Qarabağ FK 1 v 0 Aberdeen
Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku, Azebaijan, Attendance: 15,000

Andy Considine reveals Azerbaijan smuggling accusation as Aberdeen star opens up on horror injury.
Andy Considine has revealed he was accused of trying to 'smuggle' something out of Azerbaijan after his horror knee injury.
He added: “Once the game was finished we got to the airport and getting through there was tough. “I had a brace on my knee and at one point they asked me to take it off because they thought I was hiding something in my brace. “I said I have literally destroyed my knee into smithereens – I can’t take this off.”
(Andy Considine reveals Azerbaijan smuggling accusation as Aberdeen star opens up on horror injury - Football Scotland, dated Sunday 02 Jan 2022)

Aberdeen F.C.

Coronavirus Fiasco

08 Aug 2020,

The Aberdeen 8 named as stars issue apology over Dons' coronavirus fiasco.
Several of Derek McInnes' squad have been forced into self-isolation following a night out in the Granite City.
The eight Aberdeen players involved in the club's coronavirus fiasco have issued an apology to fans, boss Derek McInnes, Nicola Sturgeon and Scotland's NHS staff.
The group has been named as Sam Cosgrove, Scott McKenna, Craig Bryson, Jonny Hayes, Bruce Anderson, Dylan McGeouch, Michael Devlin and Matty Kennedy. Two of the eight tested positive for Covid-19 following a night out in the virus-hit Granite City last Saturday, which then forced the remaining six into a fortnight's self-isolation. The Dons' Saturday fixture with St Johnstone has been postponed following pressure from the Scottish Government, with First Minister reading the riot act over the "completely unacceptable" behaviour.
(The Aberdeen 8 named as stars issue apology over Dons' coronavirus fiasco. - Daily Record, dated Saturday 08 Aug 2020)

Aberdeen F.C.

Thug Footie Star

05 Jun 2021,

On 05 Jun 2021, Scotland: Declan Gallagher on his road to redemption from prison to Euros.
"It was a dark period in my life, that's for sure," Gallagher tells BBC Scotland. "It's not a circumstance I ever want to be in again, but it opened up my eyes to a lot of things and it showed me where I wanted to be in my life.
'Daddy's going to play for Scotland'
(Scotland: Declan Gallagher on his road to redemption from prison to Euros. - BBC Sport, dated Friday 05 Jun 2021)

On 07 May 2021, Scotland defender Declan Gallagher has signed a pre-contract to join Aberdeen from Motherwell this summer.
"We are delighted to be able to add someone of Declan's quality to the first team," Glass told the Aberdeen website.
"Declan was highly sought after and we beat off stiff competition to get him here, but it's really encouraging to see he believes Aberdeen is the correct place for the next stage of his career."
(Declan Gallagher: Aberdeen sign Motherwell defender on pre-contract. - BBC Sport, dated Friday 07 May 2021)

On 11 Apr 2019, Motherwell announced that Gallagher had signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club in the summer.
(Motherwell: Declan Gallagher to sign from Livingston - BBC Sport, dated Thursday 11 Apr 2019)

09 Jan 2017, Thug footie star Declan Gallagher jailed for fracturing man’s skull with baseball bat thanks Livingston after his goal-scoring return to action.
Declan Gallagher, 25, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of assaulting a chef outside a hotel.
(A FOOTBALLER jailed after fracturing a man’s skull with a baseball bat has thanked his club for giving him a second chance. - The Scottish Sun, dated Monday 09 Jan 2017)

03 Feb 2016, Footballer Declan Gallagher jailed as assault appeal refused.
Livingston defender Declan Gallagher was sentenced to three years imprisonment last year along with co-accused hairdresser Anthony Murray for the serious assault but was released on bail pending his appeal. Murray was also liberated ahead of the hearing.
Gallagher, of Heron Rise, Dundee, and Murray, of Ashley Place, Blantyre, were convicted of assaulting Steven Findlay to his severe injury and to the danger of his life in an attack at The Parkville Hotel, in the Lanarkshire town’s Glasgow Road on April 21 in 2013.
While acting with others they repeatedly punched and kicked him on the head and body and knocked him to the ground and struck him on the head with a baseball bat or similar implement.
(A FOOTBALLER was sent back to jail today after appeal judges rejected his challenge against his conviction for a brutal attack. - The Scotsman, dated Wednesday 03 Feb 2016)

Aberdeen F.C.

Row over tifosi !

03 Jan 2017,

Aberdeen fan who was architect of stunning cup final displays vows never to return to Pittodrie
Stephen McCormick says he is finished with Aberdeen after an ongoing row over tifosi.
The Aberdeen fan behind the stunning displays at the 2014 and 2016 League Cup Finals has turned his back on the club in a furious row with the board.
Stephen McCormick, who established the Red Ultras supporters' group in 1999, says he is finished with the Dons after a series of clashes.
Relations with Aberdeen chiefs have hit an all-time low after November's Betfred Cup Final at which Stephen was the architect of a stunning red-and-white show of colour after raising more than £12,500.

But bosses at Pittodrie insist they are doing everything they can to improve the match-day atmosphere along with the club's official supporters' groups.
They say McCormick's plans have too often crossed the line when it comes to match day rules and regulations and have accused him of providing wrong information on material ahead of games.

"The way I have been treated of late has left me sick.
"I'm a season ticket holder and so is my 14-year-old son Jack. But I'm finished with Aberdeen, this is not healthy.
The final straw for McCormick came after November's Betfred Cup Final defeat to Celtic. Another stunning spectacle of red and white foil greeted the Dons onto the park thanks to a group of fans led by Stephen who raised an incredible £12,500 for the display.

McCormick said Dons chief executive Duncan Fraser had promised help from the club towards the huge cost but then said nothing was forthcoming despite him emailing the Dons' operations department every night leading up to the match.
An Aberdeen source claimed McCormick failed to respond to Fraser's requests for information on how much was required. He said the club was also uncomfortable with the account being used for the collection which they believed to be a personal PayPal account.
(Aberdeen fan who was architect of stunning cup final displays vows never to return to Pittodrie. - Daily Record, dated Tuesday 03 Jan 2017)

Aberdeen F.C.

Eric Black: Dons legend filmed

03 Jan 2017,

Southampton No.2 Eric Black eyes EFL Cup glory after TWO false fraud squad probes
Black was accused of corruption as a water-weak follow-up to the newspaper ‘investigation’ that brought down Sam Allardyce from the England job.

(Southampton No.2 Eric Black eyes EFL Cup glory after TWO false fraud squad probes. - Daily Record, dated Sunday 12 Feb 2017)

30 Sep 2016,

Eric Black: Dons legend filmed ‘giving advice on bribing officials’
Dons legend Eric Black has today been embroiled in the football corruption scandal that has already seen Sam Allardyce stand down as England manager. In the secretly recorded footage, Black, now the assistant manager at Premier League club Southampton, names a fellow assistant at a Championship side, saying, “it doesn’t take too much to get these people involved” because “they won’t have an awful lot of money”.

(Eric Black: Dons legend filmed ‘giving advice on bribing officials’. - Press & Journal, dated Friday 30 Sep 2016)

Aberdeen F.C.

Booze Binge

Scottish Premier League 2002–03
15 Mar 2003 - Aberdeen 3 v 3 Dundee
Pittodrie Stadium, Attendance: 12,119

Manager Steve "Pele" Paterson
He missed the game against Dundee at Pittodrie after a booze binge that lasted until 6.30 am. Paterson woke at his flat in the city just 45 minutes before kick-off, assistant boss Duncan Shearer had made an earlier attempt to gain entry and bring him round.
"However, I was heartened by the response from within football - skipper Russell Anderson offered the public support of the players and Martin O'Neill also expressed concern for me, among many managers to do so.
"Aberdeen fans were also remarkably generous in their backing.
"I was exceedingly grateful to the club because it was a shameful incident. Maybe I should have taken the road to resignation because I had humiliated the club and betrayed their trust in me. I wrestle with that issue regularly."
(Exclusive: Steve Paterson - Being too hungover to attend Aberdeen match was most shameful incident of my life. - Daily Record, dated Wednesday 11 Nov 2009)

`

Aberdeen F.C.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s notorious post Cup Final rant!

Scottish Cup Final 1983
21 May 1983 - Aberdeen 1 v 0 Rangers
Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Attendance: 62,970

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson
The day that Aberdeen backed up their incredible European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph over Real Madrid by beating Rangers at Hampden thanks to Eric Black’s extra-time winner – only to earn the rollicking of all time from gaffer Alex Ferguson. “We’re the luckiest team in the world,” Fergie ranted in an interview on the Hampden turf minutes after Willie Miller had held the cup aloft. “We were a disgrace of a performance.
“Miller and (Alex) McLeish won the Cup for Aberdeen. Miller and McLeish played Rangers themselves. And I’m not caring, winning cups doesn’t matter. Our standards have been set long ago and I’m not going to accept that from any Aberdeen team. No way can we take any glory from it.”
“At the time, it was like: ‘What happened there? Did we not just win that?’ We had our winners’ medals on the bus and everybody’s crying, not speaking to each other. He kept saying: ‘McLeish and Miller won it, McLeish and Miller won it’.
“So every time I see big Alex, he asks me: ‘Have you still got that medal I won for you?’
(Gordon Strachan’s brilliant response to Sir Alex Ferguson’s notorious post Cup Final rant. - extract from Daily Record, dated Wed 03 May 2023)

`

Aberdeen F.C.

Scandalous !


04 Aug 1963 - Jimmy Gauld, 1929-2004
Played for Aberdeen Season 1949-50, made only 2 appearances.

04 Aug 1963 - Kenneth G. Thomson, 1930-1969
Played for Aberdeen Season's 1948-52, made 29 appearances.

1964 British football match-fixing scandal

Former Scottish youth international and Swindon Town, Plymouth Argyle, St Johnstone and Mansfield Town player Jimmy Gauld over several years systematically interfered with matches in the Football League, enticing players into betting on the outcome of fixed matches. It was when he learned that players at one of his former clubs – Mansfield Town – had been paid by Tranmere Rovers players to lose a game that Gauld first became involved in match-fixing.

In late 1962, Gauld approached Sheffield Wednesday player David Layne, a former team-mate at Swindon Town, to identify a target game. Layne suggested that Wednesday were likely to lose their match on 1 December 1962 against Ipswich Town and suggested to his fellow players Peter Swan and Tony Kay that they ensure the outcome. The three all bet against their own side in the match, which Ipswich Town won 2–0 with two goals from Ray Crawford. In an interview with The Times newspaper in July 2006, Peter Swan said "We lost the game fair and square, but I still don’t know what I’d have done if we’d been winning. It would have been easy for me to give away a penalty or even score an own goal. Who knows?”.

On the same day, two other matches (both in the Fourth Division) were 'fixed' by Gauld and his syndicate: Lincoln City's home match against Brentford (Brentford won 3-1) and Oldham Athletic's home match against York City (Oldham won 3-2).

The following year, Gauld's betting syndicate tried to fix the result of a match between Bradford Park Avenue and Bristol Rovers (played on 20 April 1963); consequently, two Bristol Rovers players – goalkeeper Esmond Million and inside-forward Keith Williams – were named in the Sunday People as having taken bribes to 'throw' the match (which had ended in a 2–2 draw). Million and Williams were fined and banned from football for life, as was Mansfield Town player Brian Phillips, who had made the initial approach to Million.

On 4 August 1963, Ken Thomson of Hartlepools United confessed in the Sunday People that he had bet with Gauld's syndicate on Hartlepools United losing a game at Exeter City earlier that year (he would subsequently be banned for life by the Football Association). A week later, Jimmy Gauld was named by the Sunday People as the 'mastermind' behind the bribes ring.

In 1964, Gauld, in search of a final "payday" after having been discovered by the Sunday People, sold his story to the same newspaper for £7,000 (equivalent to £151,000 in 2021), incriminating the three Sheffield Wednesday players who had 'thrown' the game against Ipswich Town in December 1962. The paper broke the story on 12 April. The following Sunday, a number of other players were also named as having taken part in attempts to fix matches. Ten former or current players were finally sent for trial at Nottingham Assizes in early 1965. It would be the first time that taped evidence was admitted in an English court.

Jimmy Gauld's taped conversations were ultimately used to convict him and the other players, the judge making it clear that he held Gauld responsible for ruining them. At the end of the trial on 26 January 1965, Gauld – described by the judge as the "central figure" of the case – received the heaviest sentence of four years in prison. Brian Phillips and York City wing-half Jack Fountain were each sentenced to fifteen months' imprisonment, Dick Beattie of St. Mirren received nine months', Sammy Chapman of Mansfield Town, Ron Howells of Walsall and Ken Thomson each received six-month sentences while David Layne, Tony Kay and Peter Swan each received four-month sentences.

On release, Layne, Swan, Kay, Beattie, Fountain, Chapman and Howells were banned for life from any further participation in football (Gauld, Thomson and Phillips had already been banned). Thirty-three players were prosecuted, in total.

It was established that Jimmy Gauld had earned £3275 from betting on football matches and £7420 from having sold his confessions to the Sunday People. Gauld died in 2004.
(Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. - Original allegations made dated Sunday 04 Aug 1963)

Aberdeen F.C.

Four-Week Ban

20 Aug 1952,

Four-Week Ban On George Hamilton.

George Hamilton, the Dons' international inside forward, has been suspended for four weeks. This is the sequel to the player's refusal to play for Aberdeen against Rangers at Ibrox Park last Saturday. It will be recalled that Hamilton joined the Aberdeen official party in Glasgow on Saturday morning after fourteen days' "Z" service at Aldershot. This decision follows the weekly meeting of the Aberdeen FC board of directors last night. Mr David Halliday told me after the meeting last night that the club had no statement to make regarding Hamilton. When I spoke to Mr Halliday again this morning he reiterated that the club had no comment to make. I spoke to Hamilton as he was about to join the other players at training, and he said that he had been informed that morning by the manager of the club that he had been suspended for four weeks. The player would make no other comment. The suspension means that Hamilton will miss the remaining League Cup qualifying games against Motherwell. Hearts, and Rangers, and also the opening Scottish League games against Partick Thistle at Firhill and Hibs at Pittodrie. Hamilton was one of the first players signed by Mr Halliday when he became the Dons' manager in 1938. He came from Queen of the South. Except for a short spell with Hearts in 1948, Hamilton has been a regular member of the Aberdeen first team and is one of the most popular players at Pittodrie.
("Four-Week Ban On George Hamilton" - Evening Express, dated Wednesday 20 Aug 1952)

Aberdeen F.C.

The Great Mystery

14 Nov 1931, The Great Mystery
Benny Yorston along with, Harry McLaren, Frank Hill, and Dave Galloway were implacated along with Jimmy Black, the following is from Jack Webster.

Yorston was one of five Aberdeen players dropped after a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock later that year. At the time, the reasons were not clear, but the club's official history claims that several players had been involved in a betting scandal. No players were ever charged with any offence, but none of them ever played for Aberdeen again.

Benny Yorston
"When I tracked him down to that Chelsea flat, shortly before his death in 1977, Benny denied all knowledge of corruption - and even claimed to have no memory of the mystery which led to his departure from Aberdeen."

"From the Pittodrie dressing room of the time I gained the gist of what happened. A number of players decided to place fixed-odds bets with Aberdeen bookmaker Will Jamieson, on the basis that the Dons would be drawing at half-time and winning at full-time. Clearly, they could have some say in these matters and even if they hoped to win the match, the attempt to arrange the half-time draw was in itself a corruption." Jack Webster

(Webster, Jack (2002). The First 100 Years of the Dons. Hodder and Stoughton, London.)
Trivia

Aberdeen F.C.

Scandal !

11 Jan 1926,
"PITTODRIE F.C. BAR IRREGULARITIES. Club Law Breach. WELL KNOWN DIRECTORS FINED. The board of directors and the secretary the Aberdeen Football Club were charged, Aberdeen Police Court yesterday, with a breach of the regulations concerning the sale drink from the shareholders bar without necessary certificate on the 19 Dec 1925, total fines amounted to £5" (Worth app £390.00 today)
("PITTODRIE F.C. BAR IRREGULARITIES" - Aberdeen Press & Journal, dated Tueday 12 Jan 1926)

Aberdeen F.C.

HUMILIATING STATE OF AFFAIRS

05 Sep 1919,

HUMILIATING STATE OF AFFAIRS.

Bon Accord Gossip A rather humiliating state of matters for the men of Aberdeen has been brought to my notice in connection with the Aberdeen v. Dundee match at Pittodrie on Wednesday. The game was for the benefit of Hannah, the left back of the local club, who has given long and faithful service to the team. It appears that only two gates were available for the entrance of the spectators at the popular side of the field, and, in consequence of instead waiting patiently in the queue until they could secure admittance, certain of the wilder spirits in the crowd jumped the walls and swarmed into the enclosure without, of course, paying entrance money. In spite of their unsportmanlike behaviour, it is gratifying to learn that Hannah is likely to have about £200 as his share of the proceeds.
(HUMILIATING STATE OF AFFAIRS - Aberdeen Weekly Journal, dated Friday 05 Sep 1919)

  • Family Tree Official's, Player's and staff details: Ancestry.com
    A.F.C Official's, Player's and staff details source: AFC Heritage - The Official Aberdeen Football Club Heritage Trust.
    Header Background: Banner Image - Copyright © 2023 Graeme Watson.
    Additional information source: (Webster, Jack (2002). The First 100 Years of the Dons. Hodder and Stoughton, London.)
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Friday 03 Feb 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Scottish Daily Express dated Saturday 28 Jan 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Aberdeen Evening Express, dated Tuesday 24 Jan 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Aberdeen Live, dated Tuesday 24 Jan 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Sunday, 22 Jan 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Sky Sport, dated Tuesday 27 Dec 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC News, dated Friday 04 Nov 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Football Scotland, dated Wednesday 31 Aug 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Scottish Sun, dated Friday, 24 Jun 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Sun, dated Sunday, 12 Jun 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Scottish Sun, dated Friday, 13 Aug 2021. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Sun, dated Monday, 28 Jun 2021. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Football Scotland, dated Sunday 02 Jan 2022. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Scotland, dated Saturday 08 Oct 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - extract from Daily Record, dated Wed 03 May 2023. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Saturday 08 Aug 2020. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Sport, dated Friday 05 Jun 2021. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Sport, dated Friday 07 May 2021. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Sport, dated Thursday 11 Apr 2019. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Sunday 12 Feb 2017. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Press & Journal, dated Friday 30 Sep 2016. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Scottish Sun, dated Monday 09 Jan 2017. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Tuesday 03 Jan 2017. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Scotsman, dated Wednesday 03 Feb 2016. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Scotsman, dated Saturday 06 Nov 2010. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Daily Record, dated Wednesday 11 Nov 2009. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Sport, dated Thursady 30 Jul 2009. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - BBC Sport, dated Saturday 12 Apr 2008. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - The Guardian, dated Tuesday 30 May 2000. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Falkirk Herald Sport, dated Sunday 19 Feb 1995. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. - Original allegations made dated Sunday 04 Aug 1963. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Newspaper Article - Evening Express, dated Wednesday 20 Aug 1952. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Aberdeen Press & Journal, dated Tueday 12 Jan 1926. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    Insert Article: Aberdeen Weekly Journal, dated Friday 05 Sep 1919. Insert Article: Transcribed by Graeme Watson 2023.
    We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information on this website is correct. However, we do not guarantee the correctness or completeness of material on this website.

About

Aberdeen F.C. - Family/DNA
An un-official compilation of the family tree of Aberdeen Football Club's official's, player's and staff from 1881 to present from one personal family tree.

Useful Links