Football killed the King

11 November 2002

Albion legend Jeff Astle died from an "Industrial Disease", according to the verdict recorded by the Coroner at today's inquest into his death. The degenrative brain condition was caused by years of heading a heavy leather football, made worse by the fact that the footballs in Jeff's era would absorb water - significantly increasing their weight in wet weather.

The Coroner determined that the occupational exposure of heading the ball had made at least a significant contribution to Jeff's death, and the verdict looks likely to have repercussions throughout the sport, even though modern footballs are designed not to suffer from the same problems.

There is even a possibility now that Jeff's family may consider legal action, but against exactly who it could be taken is a more difficult question. As Jeff's employer, the Club themselves would seem to be one obvious target, but the dangers were not known at the time and proving liability may prove difficult. The manufacturers of the footballs themselves may be another possible target, but there were probably a number of them and proving liability could again be difficult.

Whether this decision opens the flood gates for similar claims from a large number of ex-footballers remains to be seen.

Previous Stories:

  09 November 2002:  Albion welcome Rovers starlet

  24 October 2002:  WBA announce results and AGM

  17 October 2002:  Bon Bons are Back

Back to the News Index