For BBC Entertainment Correspondent Colin Paterson, a lifelong passion for the Scottish national team took an unexpectedly painful turn following their recent World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark. A seemingly innocuous display of support – an old SFA travel badge worn during assignment – led to a serious infection requiring hospital treatment adn a brief surgery,a story he details with characteristic wryness. Paterson’s account, filed from his recovery, highlights the dedication of fans and the surprising hazards that can accompany it.
Colin PatersonEntertainment correspondent
BBCThe question often comes up in pubs before Scotland games, no matter where in the world you are – even Lichtenstein, Mexico, or Kazakhstan. “Would you give up a finger if it meant Scotland qualified for the World Cup?”
For one journalist, that hypothetical almost became a reality.
A lifelong supporter, this reporter has followed the Scottish national team for over 40 years. The national side has always been a family affair, rooted in generational pride stemming from great-great-grandfather William Dinsmore’s role as the surveyor for the original Hampden Park when it opened in 1903.
The first game came at age 10 in 1984: Scotland 3, Iceland 0, with two goals from Paul McStay and one from Charlie Nicholas – a moment that ignited a lifelong passion.
PA MediaFrom Dalglish’s 30th goal against Spain to James McFadden’s stunning strike in Paris and Ollie McBurnie’s near-miss in Mexico, this reporter has witnessed countless Scotland moments firsthand.
More recently, work as an entertainment correspondent and stepfather to two boys ineligible to play for Scotland has limited opportunities to attend matches. But the heart remains firmly with the team.
On the day of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark, reporting duties for BBC One’s One O’Clock and Six O’Clock News centered on new government legislation regarding ticket resale.
A subtle display of support – an old SFA Travel Club Scotland badge worn on a coat outside the Brixton Academy in London – drew attention from eagle-eyed fans online.
Later that day, a seemingly harmless prick in the pocket revealed a missing badge backing. The badge itself was safely tucked away, but the incident would have unforeseen consequences.
The following days brought a growing bruise under the fingernail, quickly escalating into a serious infection. Initial treatment with over-the-counter pain relievers proved insufficient, leading to an online GP appointment and a prescription for antibiotics.
A reporting trip to Gloucestershire to interview David Tennant and Danny Dyer on the set of the Disney+ series *Rivals* only worsened the situation, with the cold temperatures exacerbating the pain. A visit to the Premier Inn breakfast buffet was briefly disrupted by the sight of the increasingly inflamed finger.
An X-ray led to a hospital stay and a grim prognosis. The situation deteriorated overnight, requiring an IV drip and a transfer to another hospital, where doctors discussed a potential operation and waivers.
The surgery, thankfully, was brief – just eight minutes, coinciding with a Mansfield 103.2 FM radio broadcast of Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega and If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow. The procedure was a success, though the reporter is now sporting a bandage as large as Richard Gough’s iconic leg brace from the 1990 League Cup final.
While acknowledging the unnecessary strain on the NHS, the reporter’s brother offered a wry observation: “It’s a long time since we’ve qualified for a World Cup. There were 28 years of bacteria on that badge.”
The offending badge, now sterilized, will accompany the reporter on a trip to the USA next summer. And while the question remains whether the same level of dedication is worth the risk, one request is clear: no Subbuteo for Christmas.
