Former Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen attributed his dementia to heading the ball, an inquest has heard. The 70-year-old, who died in 2023, was diagnosed with vascular dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen, told the hearing in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, that her father often said heading a football 'probably hasn't helped'. She recalled him suffering from headaches and needing to lie down after returning from school.
McQueen made nearly 350 appearances for St Mirren, Leeds United and Manchester United between 1970 and 1985. His daughter noted that he scored most of his goals with his head, from set-pieces. She said his personality changed after his 60th birthday, becoming withdrawn and struggling with balance and swallowing.
Professor Willie Stewart, a consultant neuropathologist, examined McQueen's brain and confirmed the presence of CTE, a condition linked to repetitive head impacts. He stated that the symptoms were typical of individuals with long careers in professional football and rugby.
The inquest also heard that a 2021 study found outfield players, particularly defenders, had a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease compared to goalkeepers, who rarely head the ball. Senior coroner John Heath adjourned the inquest for legal submissions, with conclusions expected on January 26.
