Paul Gascoigne’s nomination for the Scottish Football Hall of Fame has been withdrawn.
The former Rangers and England star was set to be inducted at a dinner in Glasgow on October 21.
But following reports that a number of the Scottish Football Association’s board members were set to avoid the event in relation to concerns over Gascoigne’s suitability for the honour, the Scottish Football Hall of Fame now says his nomination will not proceed.
A statement from organisers read: “Further to consultation with the chair and members of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame committee, due to a number of factors including ongoing enquiries, and concerns over the state of Paul’s health, it has been decided to withdraw the nomination of Paul Gascoigne at this time from this year’s nomination process.”
Gascoigne was set to become the latest non-Scottish player to receive the honour: following his former England team-mate Terry Butcher, Danish playmaker Brian Laudrup and Celtic striker Henrik Larsson.
The former Tottenham midfielder joined Rangers from Lazio in the summer of 1995 and won both Scottish player of the year awards in his first season, just before scoring against Scotland at Euro 96.
He left for Middlesbrough in March 1998 but not before sparking a series of headlines with his behaviour both on the park and off it.
His first appearance at Ibrox during a pre-season friendly clash with Steaua Bucharest saw him make a flute gesture – an act he repeated at Celtic Park three years later.
Gascoigne also admitted assaulting his then wife Sheryl at Gleneagles Hotel in October 1996 – an incident that saw him widely condemned by women’s groups.
Since retiring from football, the 57-time England international has struggled with alcohol and mental health issues.
The Scottish Football Hall of Fame recognises figures who have made a significant contribution to the game north of the border. Inductees are chosen by a panel made up from the football and media worlds following nominations from the public.
While Gascoigne’s nomination has been withdrawn, this month’s dinner will still go ahead. Julie Fleeting, Scotland’s top women goalscorer, has already been confirmed as one of the new entrants and three more will be announced on the night.
