McQueen’s Brain Disease Likely Linked to Heading Soccer Balls
The inquest into the death of former Scotland and Manchester United footballer Gordon McQueen has revealed a significant link between his brain disease and his years of heading soccer balls. The 70-year-old McQueen died in 2023, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Findings of the Inquest
The inquest, held in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, concluded with coroner John Heath delivering a narrative verdict. He stated, “Mr. McQueen suffered repetitive head impacts during his career.” Heath determined that these impacts likely contributed to McQueen’s development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Cause of Death
The coroner attributed McQueen’s death to a combination of several medical conditions:
- Pneumonia
- Vascular dementia
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
Heath emphasized that the repetitive head impacts from heading soccer balls were likely a contributing factor to CTE.
Gordon McQueen’s Football Career
During his active years, McQueen made significant contributions to football. He played 30 matches for the Scotland national team and accumulated nearly 350 appearances across club teams such as St Mirren, Leeds United, and Manchester United from 1970 to 1985. After retiring as a player, he went on to manage Airdrie and served as a coach at St Mirren and Middlesbrough.
Personal Reflections
In a statement after the inquest, McQueen’s daughter, Hayley, a Sky Sports presenter, shared her father’s deep love for football. She remarked, “Dad absolutely loved everything about football, but ultimately, it took him in the end.”
Hayley highlighted the financial toll that her father’s illness had taken on the family, stating, “It depleted my parents’ lifetime savings, looking for private care for my dad.” She expressed concern for other football players experiencing similar symptoms. “I know a lot of footballers whose families have reached out, who have symptoms very similar to that of my dad,” she said.
Raising Awareness
Hayley emphasized her father’s message, warning future generations about the dangers of heading soccer balls. She urged that “football is a beautiful sport, but it doesn’t need to take people’s lives.” Her call to action reflects a growing awareness about the risks associated with brain injuries in sports.
