Scotland Legend Alex McLeish Calls for Dementia Among Footballers to be Recognized as a Work-Related Injury
Scotland football legend Alex McLeish has voiced his concerns about the growing incidence of dementia among former players and has joined the demand for dementia in footballers to be classified as a work-related injury. McLeish’s call for change comes in support of a campaign launched by Labour MSP Michael Marra earlier this year, aimed at providing more support for retired professionals.
A study conducted by Glasgow University expert Willie Stewart revealed that retired footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from neurodegenerative brain disease caused by heading the ball. Furthermore, defenders are five times more likely to suffer from dementia compared to the general population.
The devastating impact of dementia on former players is exemplified by the cases of Lisbon Lion Billy McNeill and Scotland great Gordon McQueen, both of whom passed away after a dementia diagnosis. In response to these findings, campaigners are advocating for dementia among former footballers to be classified as a work-related injury in Scotland, allowing affected individuals to receive the support they need.
During his illustrious career with Aberdeen and Rangers, McLeish won numerous honors and earned 77 caps for Scotland. In an interview with the Record, the Gothenburg Great expressed his deep concerns about the rising number of former players diagnosed with dementia, stating, It isn’t random. It isn’t just bad luck. The common factor is they were footballers – their brain injuries were incurred simply doing their jobs.
McLeish reminisced about playing with heavy laced footballs during his early days, describing it as heading a brick, particularly on wet days. He also recalled using synthetic plastic balls known as Mouldmasters at school, which felt like being whipped as they struck the legs. As a former defender, McLeish acknowledged the possibility of developing dementia, saying, It’s possible.
To describe his memory, McLeish used a music metaphor, stating that he doesn’t remember all the number one hits from his pop chart days as well as he did when he was younger. However, he revealed that he received a clean bill of health during a medical check-up a couple of years ago through the League Managers Association, which offers regular health assessments to its members.
McLeish highlighted the importance of maintaining mental sharpness and referred to his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018. According to McLeish, Ferguson kept his mind active by reading books and possesses an outstanding memory, even recalling incidents from their time working together.
The campaign led by Marra, which McLeish fully supports, urges the Scottish government to classify brain illnesses in former footballers as industrial injuries. This classification would enable affected players to receive social security payments to assist with living costs. While recognizing that it won’t reverse the problem, McLeish emphasized the need to make life easier for affected players and their families, stating, We can’t turn back time, but we can make their lives easier.
The Scottish government is currently managed by the SNP, and a spokesperson responded by stating that Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, under which such classifications would fall, is determined by the UK government. However, the Scottish government plans to consult on its approach to replacing the benefit scheme in Scotland in order to accommodate varying perspectives.
McLeish, Sir Alex Ferguson, and numerous other former professionals have signed a letter this year calling on the government to take action. McLeish’s stand on the matter is not new, as he previously spoke out in 2020 following an incident during his tenure as Scotland’s national team manager when he momentarily lost his train of thought during a speech.
The campaign to have dementia recognized as a work-related injury for former footballers aims to provide much-needed support to those affected by the devastating impact of the disease. As this issue gains traction, the hopes for change are high, and the collective voices of football heroes and campaigners continue to echo throughout Scotland and beyond.
