Repetitive Heading of Footballs Linked to McQueen’s Brain Condition

An inquest has revealed that the repeated action of heading a football may have significantly contributed to the brain condition that played a role in the death of Gordon McQueen, a former footballer for Scotland and Manchester United. McQueen, who suffered from vascular dementia, passed away at the age of 70 in 2023.

The inquest, held in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, concluded with a narrative verdict on Monday. Senior coroner John Heath stated in court, ‘I have determined that Mr. McQueen experienced multiple head impacts throughout his playing career.’ He added, ‘I believe, on the balance of probabilities, that repeatedly heading footballs played a part in his development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).’

Heath further noted, ‘The combination of CTE and vascular dementia was instrumental in causing pneumonia, which ultimately led to his death. Therefore, I attribute his death to pneumonia, vascular dementia, and CTE.’ He underscored that the repetitive head impacts from heading the ball likely contributed to the onset of CTE.

McQueen had a distinguished career, representing Scotland 30 times and making nearly 350 appearances as a central defender for clubs including St Mirren, Leeds, and Manchester United from 1970 to 1985. After his playing days, he transitioned into management with Airdrie and held coaching positions at St Mirren and Middlesbrough.

Heightened Risk for Defenders

Professor Willie Stewart, a consultant neuropathologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, examined McQueen’s brain post-mortem. He described the presence of torn membranes and noted the widespread occurrence of CTE in various regions of McQueen’s brain. ‘CTE significantly contributed to his death,’ Prof. Stewart remarked, emphasizing that the only established causal factor is exposure to repeated impacts, such as those experienced from heading a football.

Stewart elaborated on the symptoms of CTE, which include cognitive decline and changes in behavior, stating that these cannot be attributed to any other condition and are progressive in nature. He highlighted that such symptoms are commonly observed in professional athletes in sports like football and rugby who have lengthy careers in the field.

‘Goalkeepers, who typically do not head the ball, exhibit a risk level comparable to that of the general population. In contrast, players in outfield roles, especially defenders, face a significantly higher risk,’ he concluded.

Further updates on this developing story are anticipated.