Football player charged

A footballer from Paisley has been charged by the Scottish FA after reportedly taunting a rival player about his mental health.

Jonathan Tiff oney, who then played for Stenhousemuir, is said to have mocked David Cox about his failed suicide attempt during a clash with Albion Rovers last month.

Tiffoney has strenuously denied the claims. But the FA yesterday charged Tiffoney with excessive misconduct and also with using “threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour”.

The player - who alleges he was repeatedly abused by Cox throughout the game - will face a disciplinary hearing on June 3.

If found guilty, he could be fined or hit with a lengthy ban from playing.

No action was taken against Cox as he announced his retirement from the game immediately after the incident.

Both Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers also 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”.

The 32-year-old, who has been open about struggles with depression in the past, walked off the pitch following the alleged incident and said he would be quitting football in an emotional video posted on Facebook.

Tiffoney later issued a statement denying the allegations as Stenhousemuir said he was taking a leave of absence from Ochilview Park until the investigation by the FA is concluded.

He was last week released from the club.

In a statement, Tiffoney vowed he would “never” do the things he was accused of.

He said he would cooperate with the probe, adding: “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.”