PRESSURE was growing last night for football authorities to take more seriously the claims of former footballers that they have suffered brain damage because of heading the ball.
The news that former Celtic captain Billy McNeill is suffering from dementia has saddened the world of football, and as good wishes poured in for the ex-player his family have asked for more research into possible links.
McNeill, who will be 77 on Thursday, lifted the European Cup when Celtic became the first non-Latin team to win the trophy in May 1967, beating Inter Milan 2-1 in Lisbon.
A centre-half noted for his heading ability, McNeill joined Celtic as a 16-year-old and still holds the record for the most appearances for the club, playing 787 matches between 1958 and 1975. His last game for Celtic was victory in the Scottish Cup final over Airdrie at Hampden. He had a successful career as a manager, winning the league and cup double in Celtic’s centenary year of 1988.
Acknowledged as the leader of the Lisbon Lions and voted the club’s greatest-ever captain, it was known that McNeill had been in poor health for some time before his family decided to go public about his condition in a bid to boost the campaign for more research into football-related brain disease.
McNeill, who played 29 times for Scotland, is the latest in a long line of footballers to be diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or similar conditions.
Others to be diagnosed include three of England’s World Cup-winning team of 1966, namely Martin Peters, Nobby Styles and Ray Wilson, who all have Alzheimer’s.
Among the most publicised cases in Scotland was that of ex-Celtic player Billy McPhail, who lost a case for industrial injuries compensation over his Alzheimer’s in 1998. Another Celt from the 1940s, Jock Weir, also went public about his diagnosis.
Frank Kopel, the Dundee United player who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 59, died of vascular dementia at the age of 65.
Recent research by Stirling University has shown that the brain is affected immediately upon heading the ball, and only last week it was revealed that a study in England had shown a clear link between heading the ball and brain damage.
In statements given to Sunday newspapers, McNeill’s wife Liz said: “His concentration is not as good as it was and he now can’t communicate very well. It’s affected his speech over the last year or two.
“Sometimes, if something annoys him, he can still say a few words like ‘don’t do that’. But in general he finds it very difficult. It’s not because he doesn’t know how to speak. There’s just a part of his brain that won’t let him. I miss the conversation.”
She added: “I think it’s the right time for us to talk about this now. Heading the ball and the possibilities of concussive effects on the brain needs more discussion.
“We don’t know if Billy’s dementia is linked to his football. More research needs to be done.”
McNeill’s great rival and friend John Greig, the former captain of Rangers, commented: “Like all football players, because you’ve had such a physical and a fit life, you feel indestructible.
“My heart goes out to his family. I know that Liz will look after him and he’s got a good family round him so from that point of view, he’s got a lot of backing. I want to give Billy and the family my best wishes.”
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said part of the proceeds of a forthcoming Celtic FC Foundation charity match would go towards supporting people with dementia.
He said: “Billy is a man of true stature, someone who has given so much of his life to Celtic and at all times with such grace, humility and dignity. We have always been in close contact with Billy and his family and have been well aware for some time of the challenges he has been facing, a situation he has met with true bravery, a quality synonymous with Billy McNeill.
"I know Liz has been an absolute tower of strength too for Billy. Her compassion and care for Billy has been crucial and I would like to pay tribute to her and the rest of the family.
“He is a very special man and everyone at Celtic will continue to give Billy and his family every support.”
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