COPS TALK STRESSED FOOTIE ACE BACK FROM BRINK
Everton’s Aaron Lennon sectioned Celeb pals pray for full recovery
FOOTBALL star Aaron Lennon was being treated for a “stressrelated illness” last night after he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Police found him near a busy motorway and electrified train line then took him to hospital.
Celebrity pals, including boxing legend Frank Bruno, have offered the Everton winger a wave of love and support.
FRANK Bruno yesterday told stressed-out footballer Aaron Lennon: “You will get through this boss”.
The England star has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Boxing legend Bruno, 55, who has battled bipolar disorder and depression, tweeted a message of support to the Everton ace after he was detained by police following a 20-minute standoff at the side of a busy road. The former world champion wrote: “Thoughts r with Aaron Lennon today. Stay strong & as positive as possible. There is light at the end of tunnel. U will get through this boss.” Lennon, 30, was last night undergoing treatment for a “stress-related illness” in hospital after being picked up by officers near both the M602 in Salford and an electrified rail line. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “A man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment.” An Everton spokesman said: “Aaron Lennon is receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness. “The club is supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.”
Struggled
Lennon’s representative Base Soccer Agency tweeted its support, adding: “Get well soon and stay strong.”
Former Liverpool and England footballer Stan Collymore, 46, who has also battled depression, tweeted: “Thoughts and love with Aaron Lennon and his family right now. I know that place, and I know he’ll be fine with good support from us all.”
Clarke Carlisle, 37, the former chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association who has struggled with his mental health, also sent the star “love and blessings”.
Ex-England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff, 39, who has admitted hitting the bottle to escape depression, wrote: “Lots of love and wishes @aaronlennon12. Get well soon.”
Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker, 56, ex-Spurs and England defender Ledley King, 36, former West Ham midfielder Trevor Sinclair, 44, and Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, 34, were among those who also sent their best wishes.
Last night sources said Lennon was not thought to be suffering from a long-standing mental health issue and is expected to make a full recovery.
His condition “is a recent occurrence”, said BBC Sport.