An expert has linked repeated heading of footballs to progressive brain disease following an inquest into the death of former Scotland defender Frank McQueen.
McQueen, diagnosed with vascular dementia, died in 2023 at the age of 70. A Northallerton inquest in North Yorkshire concluded on Monday with a narrative verdict.
Professor Willie Stewart, a consultant neuropathologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, examined McQueen’s brain after his death. He told the inquest that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was present in multiple brain areas, and that a membrane within the brain appeared torn.
“CTE contributed significantly to his death,” Prof Stewart stated, adding that the only causal evidence for the condition was repeated head impacts, specifically from heading footballs.
He explained that CTE symptoms include cognitive decline and neurobehavioural changes, which are progressive and not explained by other medical conditions. Prof Stewart noted that such symptoms are typical among professional football and rugby players with long playing careers.
The expert also highlighted differences in risk between playing positions, telling the court that goalkeepers, who rarely head the ball, have a risk similar to the general population, while outfield players, especially defenders, face a higher risk due to frequent heading.
Elijah Adeyemi
