Warning on heading risks possible after Astle ruling: union

PLAYERS’ union chief Gordon Taylor believes soccer may have to come with a warning that “heading can damage your health” after a landmark coroner’s ruling.

An inquest into the death of former West Brom striker Jeff Astle ruled that repeated heading of a wet, heavy, leather ball had been a “significant contributing factor” to the cause of his death at the age of 59.

Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, believes the risk of heading is much slighter since the advent of lighter, waterproof balls, but said that clubs at all levels might eventually have to issue warnings.

He said: ‘‘People who smoke have a warning on a cigarette packet and there might have to be a warning in football that too much heading is potentially bad for your health.”

Taylor believes there will be a big reaction from former players who blame heading the ball for headaches and other symptoms, but said making claims for damages would be difficult.

‘‘There will definitely be a strong reaction, as this is the first time there has been medical evidence and a coroner’s decision that has indicated quite clearly that injuries have been caused by heading a football.

‘‘With regard to claims for damages, it is a very difficult area, as you are dealing with players from long ago who may have played for several different clubs, and establishing liability would be a very difficult area.

‘‘However, there could be some opportunity for an increase in the benefits that ex-players get or a change to widows’ benefits.’’