Hull’s Mason forced to retire after head injury

HULL City midfielder Ryan Mason yesterday announced his retirement from football after failing to recover from a fractured skull. The 26-year-old was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge in January 2017 and has not played since. Former Tottenham player Mason was capped once for England, in a 1-1 draw with Italy in Turin in March 2015. “I can confirm that following specialist medical advice I am having to retire from playing professional football,” Mason said. ”I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch.”