Cox says his mental health struggles made him a target for opposition players

Retired Albion Rovers player David Cox claims opponents were regularly told to target his struggles with mental health.

The 32-year-old forward decided to walk away from the game mid-match last Thursday after he was allegedly taunted by Stenhousemuir captain Jonathan Tiffoney during a League Two clash.

The Scottish Football Association is now investigating the claims of abuse, which Tiffoney has branded "simply untrue".

Cox has bravely spoken out about his battles with depression, which saw him progress from self-harm to suicide attempts, a number of times over the years.

Cox - who informed Rovers boss Brian Reid he was "done with football" during Thursday's half-time interval before heading for the Cliftonville exit - told BBC Radio 5 Live: "There have been a few times where players have told me to watch my wrists and made reference to the mental health stuff - 'oh, we all know your story. We know how to wind you up. I'll have you sent off in five minutes'.

"I know for a fact that players will be told when they come on to play against me, 'Wind him up, he'll react. You'll get him sent off '.

Former Airdrie, Forfar, Peterhead and Annan striker Cox opted to speak out in a bid to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health in football.

But he issued a damning indictment of the game's current approach.

"Listen, football is one of the most dangerous places you'll ever be in - it's not a good place to be in, to be honest, especially when you've got thoughts of suicide," he said. "It can be a very lonely place.

"People will say things like 'everybody would love to play football'. But unfortunately for me, the time has come where I feel I'm better off away from it, better mentally."

Tiffoney has also taken a leave of absence while the SFA launches its probe into the matter.

He has already strenuously denied Cox's claims, insisting: "I would never attack another player's mental health or wellbeing and will fully cooperate with the Scottish FA investigation."