The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has launched an investigation following Albion Rovers striker David Cox’s decision to retire after an opponent was alleged to have made slurs about his mental health.
Cox walked out at half-time of the 1-0 win over Stenhousemuir in Scottish League Two on Thursday night.
He then released a video on social media confirming he was “leaving the game” as he was “done with football”.
“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.”
David Cox from @albionrovers after receiving abuse during a match regarding his struggles with mental health.
No one should be subject to this during a match pic.twitter.com/KnNizj46P1
— Stuart Mac (@ottleti) April 29, 2021
Albion Rovers described the incident as “unforgivable”. Stenhousemuir confirmed they were aware of a verbal altercation having taken place and announced that the player involved, Jonathan Tiffoney, would take a leave of absence.
Tiffoney will not train in the meantime and will not be available for selection for Tuesday’s match against Brechin.
Stenhousemuir said in an updated statement on Friday that Tiffoney had also made allegations of inappropriate comments by Cox:
“We have spoken to the players involved, David Cox (Albion Rovers) who was on the bench, and Jonathan Tiffoney (Stenhousemuir) who was playing. 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.”
Tiffoney responds
Tiffoney’s lawyers also released the following statement on his behalf:
“Media reports have indicated that I abused David Cox by referencing and attacking his mental health during last night‘s football match between Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers. This is simply untrue. Throughout the first half of the game, I was subjected to abuse and disparaging comments from the Albion Rovers dug out. I did not react to these.
“David Cox, who was a substitute and not playing, was booked by the referee for entering the pitch and abusing me.
“I did not abuse him. His abuse of me took place in front of the linesman. Had I made the comment, which it has been said that I made, then it is inconceivable that it would have not been heard by the linesman.
“Having been personally subjected to disparaging and hurtful remarks as a player for many years, I condemn any such practice. I would never attack another player’s mental health or wellbeing and will fully cooperate with the Scottish FA investigation into this matter.”
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