Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Everton, Premier League, Football, United States
Ryan Smart
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson was once effectively banned from a pre-season tour of the United States.
One of football's most notorious hardmen on the pitch - but a much different character off it - Ferguson received a joint-most nine Premier League red cards during his career.
The Scotland striker prevented two burglaries at his home, and was convicted of assault on three separate occasions before 1994.
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Prior to his move to Everton in October of that year, Ferguson was awaiting a court case after being charged with assault.
That related to an on-field incident when he was playing for Rangers, in which the Scot headbutted Raith Rovers defender John McStay.
Despite not being sent off at the time, Ferguson was found guilty of assault and sentenced to three months in prison in October 1995 due to his previous convictions.
Fast forward to 2021, and Ferguson was reportedly banned from entering the United States due to his criminal record.
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He was Everton's assistant manager at the time, working under Rafael Benitez.
The Toffees were entered into that summer's Florida Cup, beating Millionarios on penalties before defeating UNAM 1-0 in the space of four days.
Although there is not a strict ban on those with a criminal record entering the United States, the Unlock website states that 'each case is dealt with on an individual basis'.
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Individuals must attend an interview with the Embassy before being granted a visa to travel.
During the visa application process, a criminal record or conviction must be declared.
Ferguson remained at Everton until 2022 before deciding to embark on a career as a manager.
He took over at League One side Forest Green in January 2023 but was unable to keep them up, before being appointed as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle in September 2023.
Last year, the Scottish club were in the midst of a financial crisis, with Ferguson deciding to donate his entire salary to an appeal to keep Thistle afloat.
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However, the club were put into administration in October 2024, with Ferguson forced to leave days later.
Thistle were handed a 15-point deduction, but avoided relegation by winning 16 of their 36 games - which would have been enough for a second-placed finish in normal circumstances - and the club exited administration in May after the completion of a takeover.