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Gary Hudson, known as Fred Big-Ox, finally shaved his beard after Oxford United were awarded a penalty — after 675 days!
Oxford United were awarded their first penalty in 675 days (X)
An Oxford United supporter has finally shaved his beard after the club was awarded its first penalty in 675 days, ending a charity challenge that lasted almost two years.
Gary Hudson, known among fans as “Fred Big Ox”, had pledged not to shave until the English Championship side was given another spot-kick. During this time, he wore a yellow wig and blue beard at matches to raise money for a mental health charity.
Oxford had not been awarded a penalty since May 2024 when Cameron Brannagan scored in a 1-1 draw at Peterborough United in the League One promotion semi-finals. Des Buckinghamwho later came to Indian shores as the Mumbai City FC boss, was their manager at that time.
The drought ended on Saturday at the Kassam Stadium when Brannagan converted a spot-kick in Oxford’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic.
Hudson celebrated by throwing the wig and beard into the air before shaving off his real facial hair live on BBC Radio on Monday morning.
Friends Didn’t Even Recognise Him!
“It started off as a joke before Christmas when we got to 600 days… and then I started wearing it,” he explained to the BBC.
“Then people said I should get it sponsored, so I thought I’d raise money for the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, ‘why not?’.”
“It was a surreal moment, I just threw everything up in the air,” Gary told BBC.
“The funniest moment for me was when two of my friends came down to see me and walked straight past me and didn’t realise it was with me without my beard on.”
“It was quite funny – I’ve had it on for that long.”
Oxford United 1-1 Charlton Athletic
Cameron Brannagan put United ahead with their first penalty since being promoted to the Championship in 2024, which seemed decisive. However, Charlie Kelman scored from the spot in injury time, earning the visitors a point. The first half was uneventful as both teams defended cautiously. Jamie Donley’s free kick narrowly missed. Michal Helik almost scored after 53 minutes, just missing a penalty appeal.
Soon after, Oxford gained a penalty from a push on Will Lankshear, which Brannagan converted. Lankshear nearly made it 2-0, but deep into injury time, Charlton equalised with Kelman’s penalty. Despite the circumstances, it’s another valuable point for United.
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 16, 2026, 10:04 PM IST
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