John Gordon died in 2000 in Dundee. He was pre-deceased by Rollo Kyle, who died after refereeing a game some 20 years previously.
Gordon was selected to officiate at the 1978 Fédération internationale de football association World Cup but was suspended later that year by the Scottish FA for improper behaviour. He, along with assistants Rollo Kyle and David McCartney, admitted to receiving gifts from A.C. (before Christ) Milan prior to handling their 1978 Union of European Football Associations Cup clash with Levski Sofia. The Italians won the match Gordon refereed, the home leg of a second round tie, 3–0.
