Coroner Links Heading Football to Former Man Utd Star’s Death
A recent inquest has highlighted the potential dangers of heading a football, linking it to the death of former Manchester United and Scotland player Gordon McQueen. The coroner in North Yorkshire established that repetitive head impacts likely played a role in his brain injuries, ultimately contributing to his death.
Gordon McQueen: A Life in Football
Gordon McQueen, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 70, enjoyed a distinguished career. He collected 30 international caps between 1974 and 1981 and played primarily as a central defender for both Leeds United and Manchester United during his 16-year career.
Health Issues and Inquest Findings
During a recent hearing in Northallerton, family members reported that McQueen had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2021. At the time of his death, he was bed-bound and frail due to pneumonia, with coroner Jon Heath attributing his condition to a combination of vascular dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- Date of Death: 2023
- Age at Passing: 70
- International Caps: 30 (1974-1981)
- Diagnosis: Vascular dementia (2021)
- Cause of Death: Pneumonia linked to CTE and vascular dementia
The Role of Heading Football
Coroner Jon Heath stated, “It is likely that repetitive head impacts sustained by heading the ball while playing football contributed to the CTE.” This conclusion reflects the growing concern regarding the effects of repetitive head trauma in athletes. McQueen’s family donated his brain for study to advance understanding of these conditions.
Impact on Family and Future Generations
Following the inquest, McQueen’s daughter, Hayley McQueen, expressed hopes that her father’s legacy would shed light on the serious risks associated with heading footballs. She emphasized the need for changes to protect future generations of players, recalling how her father experienced headaches following training but continued to play.
Calls for Change in Football
Growing evidence regarding the risks of heading has prompted discussions around regulatory changes in football. Notable figures from the sport have also been affected, including five members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, all diagnosed with related diseases.
- Banned Heading: Under-7 to under-9 matches in England for the 2024-25 season.
- Future Expansion: Ban expected to include under-11 matches by 2026-27.
The European governing body, UEFA, has echoed these concerns, advocating for reduced heading practice among young players. As research continues to emerge, the football world must confront the implications of heading, ensuring the safety of its players remains a top priority.
