Jeff Astle's widow in heading injuries call to FA
The widow of West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle, who died from injuries sustained during his football career, has called on the game's governing body to "stop sweeping the issue under the carpet" and pay compensation.
The widow of West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle, who died from injuries sustained during his football career, has called on the game's governing body to "stop sweeping the issue under the carpet" and pay compensation.
Laraine Astle, widow of Baggies and England striker Jeff, spoke after new research showed frequently heading a football could lead to brain injury.
Jeff Astle, died in 2002 aged 59, with a coroner ruling he had suffered serious brain damage through repeatedly heading heavy leather balls in the 1960s and 70s.
The family has so far been unsuccessful in winning compensation from the Football Association, but Mrs Astle said the new research in the US supported her case.
Mrs Astle, who lives in Netherseal, Derbyshire, said: "One of the country's leading neuropathologists told us every slice of Jeff's brain showed signs of trauma and a coroner said he died from industrial disease caused by heading a football. What more proof do you need?
"When Jeff died he had no recollection he ever played football. He knew me but struggled with remembering our daughters' names. He lived in his own little world. I believe the FA should stand up and be counted, stop sweeping it under the carpet and accept their responsibilities."
Dr Michael Lipton of Montefiore Medical Centre in New York led the new study which carried out brain scans on 38 amateur players, which revealed injuries similar to concussion patients.
An FA statement said: "We are aware that a new study has been carried out in the US. There remain conflicting opinions on the possible effects of frequent heading of a football over time. There are now standards set out in the laws of the game for the size, weight and pressure of footballs."
