Police are investigating an incident in which Dundee goalkeeper Owen Goodman was struck by a missile thrown from the crowd during Saturday's derby match at Tannadice. The Canadian international, on loan from Crystal Palace, was hit by an object as he prepared to take a goal kick in Dundee's 2-0 victory over city rivals Dundee United.
Television footage showed the match referee, David Dickinson, picking up the projectile near the Eddie Thompson Stand, which is largely occupied by Dundee United supporters. Goodman was interviewed by police following the match, and an investigation is now underway. The incident, which did not result in injury to the player, follows a report published last month into crowd disorder at a previous Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic. That independent review recommended stricter sanctions for unacceptable spectator behavior, including stadium closures or ticket sales restrictions.
The Scottish Football Association has stated that the Dundee derby is a Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) matter, and the SPFL is awaiting the match delegate's report. Police are collaborating with both Dundee clubs to gather information and identify the individual responsible.
Constable Matthew Boath stated, "Thankfully the man was not injured, however this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. An investigation is ongoing and are working closely with both clubs to identify the person responsible. I urge anyone at the game who witnessed the incident and can assist in our inquiries to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2015 of 22 August 2026."
Unacceptable conduct, including pyrotechnics, missiles, and pitch invasions, has become a recurring issue in Scottish football. Tannadice has previously been the site of similar incidents. In March of the previous year, a vape was thrown from the Eddie Thompson Stand, striking Dundee striker Simon Murray during a derby match. Two months later, Aberdeen player Jack MacKenzie was injured by a plastic chair thrown onto the pitch by one of his own club's supporters, leading to the fan receiving an 18-month prison sentence and a 10-year football banning order.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin did not comment on the incident after his team's defeat, which was sealed by goals from Drey Wright and Owen Bevan. Dundee manager Steven Pressley, when made aware of the situation post-match, said, "I've just been made aware of that so I'm unsure. Whatever he was hit with, it didn't affect him."