Born in United Kingdom · Nationality British — Sport / sports governance

Paul Gascoigne

Documented profile covering 7 controversies, including “Flute gestures with Rangers: Sectarian controversy and sanction” and “Kettering Town: Sacked after 39 days amid allegations of drinking while on duty”.

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Profile No. 2304 · Updated on 12 October 2026

Portrait of Paul Gascoigne

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

7Documented controversies
10Sources
1Formal charge · all time1 closed without conviction
3Convictions

I. Documented controversies

01

2018–2019

Non-consensual kiss on train: Sexual assault trial followed by full acquittal

Acquitted / conviction overturned

Gascoigne was prosecuted after kissing a woman on the lips on a train. The prosecution argued that the act was forced and non-consensual.

Attribution
Accused
Course of the proceedings
  1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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02

2015–2016

Racist remark towards Black security guard: Guilty plea and fine

Conviction

During a show in Wolverhampton, Gascoigne made a racist remark about a Black security guard concerning whether his smile could be seen in the dark.

Attribution
Directly implicated

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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03

July–August 2013

Stevenage station incident: Guilty plea to assault and being drunk and disorderly

Conviction

Following an incident at Stevenage station, Gascoigne pleaded guilty to assaulting a security guard and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

State of the evidence
Established by a court
Attribution
Directly implicated

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    The GuardianPaul Gascoigne fined for assaultPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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04

October–December 2010

Drink-driving: More than four times legal limit, suspended prison sentence and driving ban

Conviction

Gascoigne admitted driving with a breath-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit.

State of the evidence
Established by a court
Attribution
Directly implicated

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    The GuardianPaul Gascoigne avoids prison for drink-drivingPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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05

October–December 2005

Kettering Town: Sacked after 39 days amid allegations of drinking while on duty

No legal proceedings

Gascoigne's first managerial position at Kettering Town ended after 39 days. Chairman Imraan Ladak alleged that Gascoigne had been under the influence of alcohol before, during or after several matches and training sessions.

Attribution
Directly implicated

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
    The GuardianGascoigne sacked by Kettering after 39 daysPressHigh reliability
  2. [2]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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06

December 2005

Photographer alleges being struck: Arrest followed by no prosecution

No legal proceedings

A photographer claimed that Gascoigne had struck him after a charity event. Gascoigne was arrested and questioned.

Attribution
Accused

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
    The GuardianGascoigne in the clear after alleged assaultPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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07

1995 et January 1998

Flute gestures with Rangers: Sectarian controversy and sanction

Civil / administrative proceedings

While playing for Rangers, Paul Gascoigne twice mimed playing a flute, a gesture associated with Orange traditions in the Old Firm context and perceived as a sectarian provocation towards Celtic supporters.

Attribution
Directly implicated

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
    The GuardianSpits and spats that have tarnished footballPressHigh reliability
  2. [2]
    The GuardianPaul Gascoigne: a troubled lifePressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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II. Constellation of documented links

No documented link with another published profile for now.

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

III. Has something changed?

A new court decision, a missing source, a mistake? Tell us what should be updated: every request is read by the editorial team.

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