A retired England footballer has achieved a significant legal victory in his campaign to have a brain condition acknowledged as an ‘industrial’ injury. Dave Watson, aged 78, is suffering from a neurological disorder he believes is associated with heading the ball during his professional football career. He is currently living with what is suspected to be Alzheimer’s and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
His legal representatives view his case as a precedent for both past and present generations of professional footballers. Other individuals have shared stories of their early struggles with dementia. Initially denied industrial injury benefits by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), an appeal has now overturned the previous decision.
His case will be reconsidered by a First Tier Tribunal. Penny Watson, his wife, expressed relief at the acknowledgment of his injuries and the granting of a fair hearing. She emphasized that this issue extends beyond David to all players and families affected by head injuries, seeking fairness and recognition for their ordeals.
Having spent over a decade in English football during the 1970s and 80s, David’s legal team argues that his current condition stems directly from numerous collisions, headers, and impacts endured during training and matches. As a former England captain, he is among many ex-players grappling with dementia and related conditions associated with head injuries, with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) offering support.
Dr. Adam White, Director of Brain Health at the PFA, praised the determination of David and Penny in pursuing their case, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the lasting effects of head injuries. Despite an initial dismissal of David’s appeal by the First Tier Tribunal, the recent judgment is seen as a crucial advancement. Ryan Bradshaw, a human rights solicitor representing David, stressed the necessity of providing proper support to workers injured during employment, especially in cases where repeated head injuries were sustained.
A DWP spokesperson refrained from commenting on the specific case, noting that the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is examining the link between neurodegenerative diseases and professional sports. Any recommendations made by the council will be duly considered.
