How one of football's hardest men was humbled after he found himself behind bars: 'I thought I was a man. I was a baby'

Daily Mail​

14-06-2025

A former footballer who was renowned for his fiery character both on and off the pitch has revealed how he was humbled by a stretch in prison.
The ex-player made over 250 Premier League appearances, earning a fierce reputation thanks to his love for a scrap.
However, he took it one step too far back in 1994 as he became the first-ever British footballer to be jailed for an offence committed on the field.
After headbutting an opponent, he was slapped with a 12-game ban and a three-month prison sentence.
He revealed how he was brought back down to earth by having to serve a stint behind bars.
The individual in question chillingly told BBC Sport: 'I thought I was a man. I've got everything boxed-off. I was just a baby.'
That was none other than former Everton and Newcastle striker Duncan Ferguson, who was convicted for headbutting Raith Rovers player Jock McStay while playing for Rangers in a match in April 1994.
Fast-forward over two decades later, and 'Big Dunc' has shared what life was like during his 44-day spell in HMP Barlinie - Scotland's largest prison - located in Riddrie, north-east Glasgow.
After going inside at the age of 23, he shared concerns for his safety due to his high-profile status having played for Rangers, combined with his young age.
The Scot said: 'It was like they were focusing on me. You're worried sick. You've got to face that in the morning. I never slept a wink all night.
'I was terrified. I'm going to walk out on this landing in the morning and you think someone's going to stick a knife in you.'
That came after he had been involved in a string of previous altercations, including a fight in Anstruther, a town located nine miles from St. Andrews.
Previously, he had been slapped with a £100 fine for headbutting a policeman and fined a further £200 for punching and kicking a supporter who was on crutches.
Speaking to Mail Sport last month, the ex-Toffees hardman said he was reduced to a trembling ball of anxiety during his prison stint.
The 53-year-old stated: 'It became darker, and darker. Then there were the threats.'
He heard threats from fellow inmates far and wide, enough to put fear into even the heart of Big Dunc himself.
'What cell is he in. I am going to cut that big dirty Orange b*****d. He's gonnae get cut tae f***.'
Ferguson added: 'Half a dozen to 10 people were telling me I was going to get slashed in the morning. I was only 23, on my own. It was frightening. You think: "How has it come to this?"
He has accepted that many of the tough situations he found himself in were down to an over-indulgence when it came to alcohol - a circumstance he has since rectified by being sober since 2008.
Fortunately, given the stormy seas he navigated during his playing career and personal life, he is a battle-hardened sailor who lives to tell the tale of his voyages - just without a desire for a bottle of rum.