 Gordon was selected to officiate at the 1978 FIFA 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. Milan prior to handling their 1978 UEFA Cup clash with Levski Sofia.The Italians won the match Gordon refereed, the home leg of a second round tie, 3–0.