A FORMER Scottish football manager was rushed to hospital last week along with his wife after they were both mauled by an XL Bully.
The 73-year-old was attacked by a male dog called Gunna last Wednesday at a home in Dyce.
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The horror attack occurred as they visited their relative’s dog in the Aberdeen town while its owners were away on holiday.
The pensioner is believed to be still in hospital and is expected to stay there for around 10 days with serious injuries to his arms, hands and face.
David Watson, who was previously the manager of Celtic’s Scottish Cup opponents Buckie Thistle, was immediately transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following the attack.
His wife also required treatment for similar injuries.
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A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 3pm on Wednesday, 17 January, we received a report of a man being attacked by a dog in the Corrennie Circle area of Aberdeen.
“Emergency services attended and a 73-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Buckie Thistle released a statement on social media as they wished their former boss a speedy recovery.
It read: “Everyone at Buckie Thistle Football Club send their good wishes to former manager Dave Watson after he was attacked by an XL Bully dog in Dyce.
“Dave is receiving treatment within Ward 214 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for his injuries. He is expected to be within hospital for at least 10 days or so.
“Get well soon Dave.”
Gunna’s owner Jack Watson, 23, said the attack was a “big shock” for the family.
He also revealed that his XL Bully he’s had for two-and-a-half years was due to be put down at the vets at the weekend.
Jack told the P&J: “It’s my choice to do that.
“It’s a nightmare that I thought would never happen.
“I’ve got an appointment with the vet. I feel upset but it’s for the safety of my own family.”
Speaking about the incident, he added: “He’s a reactive dog – he got attacked when he was younger. But he’s never been bad or anything.
“They’ve just came in and he’s not expected it and he’s just jumped out the cage and just started attacking.”
The incident comes days after First Minister Humza Yousaf revealed that the crackdown on XL bully dogs will be extended to Scotland.
Nats figures previously defended their failure to follow England and Wales with a ban on breeding, selling, and walking XL bullies without a muzzle or off a lead.
Yousaf stressed that the situation in England that would be “replicated” in Scotland would not be a ban.
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He said: “Owners can still keep an XL bully dog, they have to make sure it’s registered on the Exemption Index, they have to fulfil the other criteria of the legislation.”
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