Johnny Doyle

Who was Johnny Doyle?

Johnny Doyle was a Scottish footballer who played as a winger. Born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, Doyle started his senior career with Ayr United, whom he joined from juvenile side Viewpark in 1970.

He made his first appearance for the Scottish national team in December 1975 in a 1–1 draw with Romania. Four months later, Doyle was transferred to Celtic for a fee of £90,000. He won two league titles and one Scottish Cup during his time with the Glasgow club.

During a match with Ayr United in 1977, Doyle was famously sent off after a cross he attempted accidentally struck the referee in the face, knocking him over and leaving him in need of treatment. When the whistler recovered he issued a red card to Doyle, who reacted furiously, storming off the park and down the tunnel. The red card was rescinded following a review by the SFA.

Doyle died in 1981, at the age of 30, when he was electrocuted while working on his new Kilmarnock home. He was commemorated in song by Irish band Charlie and The Bhoys.