Gordon McQueen's family calls for safer football after inquest

A coroner concluded that repetitive heading was likely to have contributed to Gordon McQueen's chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a factor in his death; his family has urged football authorities to do more to protect players.

Gordon McQueen's family has urged change in football after an inquest into his death. The coroner concluded that repetitive head impacts from heading the ball were likely to have contributed to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which was a factor in his death. McQueen died in June 2023 at age 70; the inquest recorded the immediate cause of death as pneumonia with underlying mixed vascular dementia and CTE. Family members spoke afterwards about feeling let down by some organisations and called for greater protection and support for former players. Key points: - The coroner's narrative conclusion stated it is likely that repetitive heading contributed to McQueen's CTE and was a factor in his death. - The inquest recorded the medical cause of death as pneumonia, with mixed vascular dementia and CTE noted as underlying conditions. - Family members criticised the response of some player organisations and called for changes including education and potential legal or policy measures. - The Professional Footballers' Association said it is pursuing clarity on conditions linked to repetitive head impacts with government and other bodies, and families have ongoing legal actions and lobbying efforts. Summary: The coroner's findings have intensified public and family concern about the long-term brain health of former footballers and the responsibilities of football institutions. Some organisations are pursuing policy and classification discussions and there are ongoing legal and advocacy activities. Undetermined at this time.