Paul Gascoigne has opened up about a dark chapter in his life when he admits to physically abusing his ex-wife, Sheryl, at a Scottish hotel in 1996. The incident took place at Gleneagles Hotel near Perth, just months after their wedding. Gascoigne, a former England football icon, is releasing a new book where he reflects on the regret he feels for the violent episode that has haunted him since.
Gascoigne recalls the argument with Sheryl escalating from the restaurant to their hotel room, where he pushed her and caused her injury. Days later, images of Sheryl leaving the hotel with bandages made headlines, painting Gascoigne as a violent husband. Despite Sheryl’s differing recollection of the events, Gascoigne expresses remorse for the pain he caused her that night. The incident led to chants of “wife beater” from rival fans and put pressure on his team, Rangers, to drop him. However, Gascoigne credits manager Walter Smith for standing by him during that tumultuous time.
The divorce from Sheryl in 1999 marked the end of their troubled marriage, which began with a lavish wedding that Gascoigne now admits felt like a mistake from the moment he said his vows. The costly settlement and monthly maintenance payments added financial strain as Gascoigne’s career took a downward spiral due to alcoholism and drug addiction. Despite brief attempts at reconciliation, the marriage irreversibly soured, leading to a painful and expensive divorce. Gascoigne’s candid reflections in his new book shed light on a dark period in his life that continues to haunt him to this day.
