Albion Rovers player David Cox has retired from football, aged 32, after he was allegedly taunted about his mental health by an opposition player.
The former Kilmarnock and Annan Athletic forward, who was a substitute in Thursday's Scottish League Two clash against Stenhousemuir, walked off the pitch in the first-half following the incident.
Cox has bravely spoken on numerous occasions about his mental health. In a bid to raise awareness and encourage fellow players to speak up if they are going through similar difficulties, he opened up about his own struggles.
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Back in 2019, he says he considered suicide after being abused over issues surrounding his mental health while playing for Cowdenbeath.
In fact, Cox was on the verge of retiring from football before joining Albion Rovers in March.
Just months later and Cox left the pitch at Ochilview Park following another alleged incident. In a video on his official Facebook page, the 32-year-old opened up about the situation.
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"Again having to deal with some mental health shouts at football again." he said.
"The second half is just starting and I have left the stadium. I was on the bench. We were having a to and fro with the bench. They had a go at my mental health and told me I 'should have done it right the first time'.
"I promised myself the next time it happens I will walk off the park. I wasn't playing, I am done with football completely. Some folk might not think it is a big deal but I am fed up for it. I don't get paid enough.
"I tried to speak to the referees about it but they didn't want to know because they didn't hear it. We talk about racism, personal issues and because it is not heard by officials there is nothing they can do about it. So I am going to do something about it.
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"I am leaving the game. I am done with it."
Albion Rovers have since released a statement on the incident.
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"The health, safety and well-being of everyone associated with Albion Rovers is of paramount importance to us.
"Football is a place for all and we believe is should be enjoyed without fear, favour or prejudice.
"We are aware of an alleged incident that occurred during this evening's match and have been in touch with David Cox to offer our unconditional backing and support."
Stenhousemuir have also released their own statement.
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"The club is aware of a verbal altercation that took place between players from both Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers during tonight's match.
"We have spoken to the players involved. Both players are making claims of serious and wholly inappropriate comments being made during the game that have implications for player wellbeing and mental health.
"Whilst we accept that things can get said during a game, we believe the allegations are sufficiently serious enough to merit a more detailed investigation.
"We will be referring this to the Scottish FA tomorrow and will work with them and our colleagues at Albion Rovers to investigate the incident."
There is no place for this in football.
Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away.
- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 from 7pm to 11pm every day.
- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 on weekdays from 9am to 10pm, on weekends from 2pm to 10pm, and on bank holidays from 2pm to 10pm. You can also email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.
- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
Featured Image Credit: David Cox/FacebookTopics: Football, Scottish Football
