Tiffoney denies suicide remark that forced Cox to retire

STENHOUSEMUIR captain Jonathan Tiffoney has denied allegations that he made slurs about David Cox’s mental health, as the Scottish Football Association compliance officer launched an inquiry into an incident with the Albion Rovers striker.

Cox, who has been open about his mental health struggles in the past, alleges that Tiffoney told him he ‘should have done it right the first time’ in reference to an attempt Cox made to take his own life.

The Rovers man, who was a substitute for the match on Thursday night, left the ground at half-time and subsequently released a video on social media announcing that he was retiring from football as a result of the abuse he received.

Tiffoney, who has been placed on a leave of absence by Stenhousemuir while the SFA investigation takes place, said through his lawyers yesterday: “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 dugout. 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.”