Scottish Football Star and Pundit Involved in ‘Affair’ Controversy as Wife Faces Court Over ‘Homewrecker’ Remark

Ryan McGowan’s wife has been found to have sent threatening messages to a woman she accused of having an affair with him, it has come to light.

Stephanie McGowan, 32, relentlessly sent messages to Claire Sewell, 36, over a span of five months after alleging that Ms. Sewell was involved in a hidden relationship with her husband, the captain of Livingston FC.

S Sources reveal that the distressed mother of three labeled Ms. Sewell a “home-wrecker” due to the purported affair involving the 37-year-old Australian-born defender, who is also a Sky Sports pundit.

However, Stephanie now faces a criminal record after pleading guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to sending threatening or abusive messages from November 10, 2025, to April 12 of this year.

The Pilates studio owner was fined £450 and received a five-year non-harassment order prohibiting her from contacting Ms. Sewell, who resides in Loanhead, Midlothian.

Despite this, friends have come forward in support of Stephanie, stating that she reached her breaking point.

A source shared with The Scottish Sun, “She was reacting out of sheer heartbreak, and now she holds a criminal conviction.”

Reports indicate that Stephanie’s suspicions began when she noticed messages sent from her husband’s phone last autumn, coinciding with McGowan being hospitalized for a leg infection.

The source elaborated: “Ryan was unwell, and Stephanie was using his phone to keep family and friends informed about his health.

“That’s when she found the texts exchanged between them, and discovering it this way shattered her.

“She reacted as any wife might in such a situation.”

The couple tied the knot in June 2019 at Carlowrie Castle in Kirkliston, near Edinburgh.

They are parents to a six-year-old daughter and twin sons born in May 2025.

Throughout his 20-year career, McGowan has played for 15 clubs. He joined Livingston in 2024 following previous stints at Hearts, Dundee United, and St Johnstone.

He represented Australia in the 2014 World Cup. Last year, McGowan revealed his concerns about his career after being hospitalized.

He remarked: “I worried whether I would be able to compete in professional sport again.

As you’re lying there, you’re telling them, ‘This is my job,’ and they respond with, ‘We understand, but if this infection worsens, we need to proceed accordingly.’”

After finally being released from the hospital, he publicly thanked his wife online for “keeping everything in order.”

Stephanie opted not to provide comments, and Ms. Sewell was not available for a statement.

McGowan was also reached out to for a comment.