Football: Scottish footballer plays with electronic ankle bracelet

Dundee's Paul McGowan. Photo / Getty

Dundee footballer Paul McGowan wore an electronic tag around his ankle as he played against St Mirren on the weekend after being spared jail in July for spitting on a bouncer.

The Scottish Premiership player was warned he avoided jail by a 'narrow margin' after admitting to assaulting bouncer Andrew MacLaughlan by spitting on him outside Dundee's Underground nightclub in May.

The electronic tag, which McGowan must wear as part of his punishment, was clearly visible under his socks as he played 87 minutes before being substituted.

The midfielder had been drinking with other Dundee players before the incident took place earlier this year.

McGowan, a father of one, was ordered to wear a tag for two months, placed on a weekend curfew - meaning he has to be inside his Airdrie home from 7pm to 7am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - and under supervision for a year.

Paul McGowan playing with his tag on against st Mirren yesterday ahahaha @Oldfirmfacts1 pic.twitter.com/GNh1Spy3qm

— Kurtis (@kurtiswhitel0ck) August 5, 2018

Sheriff John Rafferty said after the verdict in July, the times were appropriately set to allow McGowan to play in midweek matches and weekend day time games, but he will unavailable for any evening fixtures due to the curfew.

The thug footballer, who has had five run-ins with the law in eight years - including attacking two police officers, was also ordered to do 200 hours of community service and pay his victim £200 in compensation.

McGowan sparked a 'soft justice' row after escaping a jail sentence despite his list of previous convictions with many suggesting his profession makes him immune from stiff punishment.

The Dundee star, who the Daily Mail understands earns around £600 a week, has still managed to retain his spot in the team and played competitively for them last month in the Scottish League Cup prior to featuring on the weekend.

McGowan, who also represented Celtic during a six-year stint earlier on in his career, will have to wear the tag around his ankle while he plays until the two-month order is served.