A FORMER Scotland player was left with a suspected broken nose by a rival after a testimonial fundraising event descended into violence.
Dundee North End manager Kevin McNaughton’s nose was bent out of shape after coming to blows with William Buchanan during the testimonial.
Former Aberdeen, Cardiff, Caley Thistle and Bolton Wanders player McNaughton, 42, who earned four Scotland caps, was attacked and bloodied during the night out.
Dundee Sheriff Court was told that rival semi-professional teams had teamed up to raise funds for a player but the event ended with McNaughton in hospital and a pool of blood on the floor of a bar.
Fiscal depute Sam Craib told the court: “On 12 February 2023, junior football players and management of Dundee North End and Downfield FC attended a testimonial event at Duck Slattery’s and then went on to The Club Bar.
“Police were made aware by CCTV that there was an ongoing fight in the street at 8.50pm. Several units responded and there were about 40 adult males within the locus.
“There was a pool of blood visible on the floor within the premises. There was bad feeling between the rival teams and the majority of the patrons were asked to leave.
“The complainer was traced at the rear of the pub with a facial injury. He was intoxicated and unable to provide any account of what happened, or a statement.
“He declined medical treatment and he was taken home. The following day at 6.30pm and noted a statement from Mr McNaughton, who said he had been punched by the accused.”
He told the officers that his nose was bleeding and he had gone to the toilet to clean it up, suspecting that Buchanan’s punch may have broken it.
Mr Craib said: “He attended Ninewells Hospital on 14 February and there was swelling and misalignment, which could have been from a nasal fracture, and he was treated for this.”
Solicitor Lisa Duffus, defending, said: “It was an argument that took place between a number of individuals. My client has a limited recollection of events.”
Buchanan, 38, from Dundee, admitted assaulting and injuring Mr McNaughton and he was given one month to pay an £800 fine by Sheriff John Rafferty.
He told Buchanan: “I don’t think you appreciate the gravity of the matter. This was an incident that happened in a pub bar following a sporting event with a large number of males there.
“It is a matter of shame that a sporting event ends up in violence. That’s got nothing to do with sport. You do have a record for assault but it was some time ago.”
The assault took place at the first event in the testimonial year for veteran Dundee North End goalkeeper Neal Ferrie. The event was hosted by former player and media personality Si Ferry.
McNaughton, who made nearly 500 senior appearances before retiring in 2017, also played for Wigan Athletic and spent a period coaching at Dundee FC.
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