The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former footballer speaks out on punch that ended his career
John Black will ‘suffer the consequences forever’
A former Dundee footballer whose career was ended by a horrific head injury says he is often brought to tears when he reflects on his ordeal.
John Black was found unconscious by paramedics on Old Hawkhill after an early morning altercation on October 8 last year.
The 21-year-old from Blairgowrie spent weeks in intensive care and was in a coma before undergoing major surgery to have a plate inserted in his head. He now works in a call centre in Dundee because any head knock could prove fatal.
Robert Chambers was accused of assaulting Mr Black. Although he admitted punching him, he said he did so in self-defence and the charge was found not proven at Dundee Sheriff
Court on Friday.
Mr Black labelled the decision a “joke” and said he would be left suffering the consequences “forever”.
He said: “In the build-up to the case I was visiting a psychologist. I’ve been taking anti-anxiety pills to cope with what happened.
“As a result of the verdict I would say I feel worse. It feels as though this has all happened for nothing. I’ll suffer the consequences forever.”
John spent about six weeks in Ninewells in A&E, intensive care and the neurology high dependency unit
He said: “I’m lucky I’m alive. Being told I should no longer play football was very hard considering I’d been offered professional contracts.”
Mr Black is now keen to move on with his life alongside his partner Joanna.
He said: “Its natural for me to look forward to the future. I’m an outgoing person and very happy when I’m in company. That hasn’t changed and never will.
“I will look forward to it as best as I can but I will always worry about my head as it’s fragile and any impact could be fatal.”