Coroner Links Football Heading to Former Defender's Fatal Brain Condition
A coroner has determined that repetitive heading of footballs was likely a significant contributing factor to the brain injury that played a role in the death of former Scotland and Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen. The ruling comes following an inquest into the 70-year-old's 2023 death from pneumonia, which was identified as a consequence of his dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Medical Evidence Points to Football Career Impact
Coroner Jon Heath stated unequivocally that "it is likely that repetitive head impacts sustained by heading the ball while playing football contributed to the CTE" found in McQueen's brain. This conclusion was supported by medical evidence presented during the proceedings, including analysis from Professor Willie Stewart of Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
Professor Stewart, who examined McQueen's brain post-mortem, described observing a torn membrane and CTE present in multiple areas. He noted that such symptoms are "typical in individuals who have long careers" in contact sports like professional football and rugby.
Family Testimony and Football Legacy
McQueen's daughter, Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen, testified during the Northallerton inquest that her father had acknowledged the potential connection between his health issues and his playing career. She recalled him saying, "yes, heading a football all those years probably hasn't helped" when discussing his dementia diagnosis.
The former centre-back enjoyed a distinguished 15-year professional career between 1970 and 1985, making:
- Almost 350 appearances for St Mirren, Leeds United, and Manchester United
- 30 international caps for Scotland between 1974 and 1981
Despite his daughter noting she could only recall "a few concussions" during his playing days, the coroner's ruling emphasizes the cumulative effect of repeated sub-concussive impacts from heading the ball.
Broader Implications for Contact Sports
This landmark ruling adds to growing medical and legal recognition of the long-term neurological risks associated with repetitive head impacts in contact sports. McQueen's case follows increasing scrutiny of brain injuries in football, rugby, and other sports where heading or collisions are frequent.
After retiring from playing, McQueen remained involved in football through management roles at Airdrie and coaching positions at St Mirren and Middlesbrough. His case may prompt further discussion about protective measures and medical monitoring for current and former professional athletes in contact sports.
