Footballer mocked on and off pitch over mental health

A footballer who plays for Cowdenbeath FC has talked openly about being called a “psycho” and being mocked by fellow players and fans after a suicide attempt.

David Cox, 28, is calling for the game’s authorities to act on the abuse in the same way they do against racism.

The footballer, who previously played for Forfar Athletic, was speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s John Beattie when he revealed he had been abused by football fans and colleagues since admitting he had selfharmed and attempted suicide.

He said: “I had fans shouting on the pitch to me shortly after I did my story, ‘go and hang yourself and do it right this time’.

“I’ve had other players mentioning me slitting my wrists and stuff.”

Cox also said opponents from other teams had used his depression to deliberately try to wind him up.

“Maybe after a bad tackle, or if it’s been rough and stuff like that, some players would say ‘watch your wrists wee man, oh, I better not wind you up cos you’re a psycho,’ he added.

“I’ve had them apologising and messaging me after games and stuff.

“They will say things like ‘I’m really sorry, I had a mate who killed himself through mental health’.

“It’s just as bad as being racist for me. If you were racist on the pitch you’d get done for it.”

The Scottish Football Association said reported cases would be investigated.

David Cox of Cowdenbeath.