Ex-Fifa official predicts court cases as Celtic and Rangers news confirmed – ‘People will be unhappy’
Keith Hackett has praised the “brave” decision to ban heading in training the day before and after Celtic and Rangers games.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested the Scottish FA have made the decision to stop players from suing them in the future.
The BBC reported earlier this week (29 November) that professional footballers are now banned from heading the day before and after games and will be limited to one repetitive heading session per week.
It comes after research from Glasgow University showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease.
“I think there is now sufficient medical evidence to show heading the football impacts certain players,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Going back, Jeff Astle is the one standout. Then you look at players who have suffered from Alzheimer’s and similar types of ongoing injuries or concerns. There’s got to be some form of correlation there.
“What needs to be done is, at the grassroots level, heading the ball is banned. A lot of people will be unhappy about that.
“At the moment, we’re protective of kids playing at the Under-12 level, we need to consider expanding that.
“Down the line, football’s got to realise, like rugby has, players are going to sue clubs and potentially FAs.
“That’s where I think the change is coming from. Their fear that they will find it very difficult to defend themselves when a case is brought.
“I think this move in Scotland is a brave one and the correct one. There will be a lot of people saying it’s not.
“I applaud them for taking this leap because I think it’s a sensible leap.”
In other news, Celtic are confident of agreeing a £5million-plus sale after terms are agreed.