Footballer accused of taunting suicide bid player Cox
Tiffoney faces allegations
A footballer from Paisley has denied taunting a fellow player over a suicide bid as he steps away from the pitch.
Jonathan Tiffoney, who plays for Stenhousemuir, is said to have mocked David Cox for his mental health problems during a clash with Albion Rovers on Thursday night.
Cox yesterday vowed he “would never attack another player’s mental health or wellbeing” as Stenny bosses confirmed he would be taking a leave of absence from Ochilview Park.
He released a statement via lawyers vehemently denying allegations Cox made in an emotional video he posted on social media during the game.
In it, the 32-year-old said Tiffoney had told him he should have succeeded in his suicide attempt.
Tiffoney - who, in 2014, was convicted of filming himself having sex with a woman without her consent and sharing it with pals - is now the subject of a probe by his club and the Scottish Football Association.
In his statement, he said: “Throughout the first half of the game, I was subjected to abuse and disparaging comments from the Albion Rovers’ dug out. 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.”
He added: “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 well-being and will fully cooperate with the Scottish FA investigation into this matter.”
Both Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers said they would be looking into the alleged incident, which occurred during a “bit of too and fro” between the Stenny players and the Albion bench.
Cox, who was on the subs bench at the start of the second half, said: “[Tiffoney] told me I should have done it right the first time.
“I tried to speak to the referees about it. They didn’t want to know because they didn’t hear it.
“Once he was called out on it, he knew what he said and tried to deny it.”
He added: “So I promised myself the next time it happened I’d walk off the park. Obviously I wasn’t playing, but ... I am done with football. Completely.”
Albion Rovers declared the alleged slur “unforgiveable”, adding “we stand with David Cox”.
In a statement issued yesterday Stenhousemuir FC said: “The club can confirm that we have asked the Scottish FA compliance officer to investigate the incident that happened last night during our game against Albion Rovers, and the SPFL has been informed.
“Serious allegations have been made and they must be fully and robustly investigated.
“Following discussions with the Stenhousemuir player involved, he will take a leave of absence until the investigation is concluded.”