David Cox left Ochilview at the interval of the game between Stenhousemuir and Albion RoversAlbion Rovers’ David Cox says he has quit football after claiming he was verbally abused about his mental health struggles by an opposition player.
Cox, 32, left the stadium at half-time of his side’s game with Stenhousemuir and said he was taunted about his previous attempts to take his own life.
Stenhousemuir confirmed on Friday they have asked the Scottish FA to investigate and informed the SPFL.
They said the “serious allegations… must be robustly investigated”.
The League 2 club also confirmed that, following talks, defender Jonathan Tiffoney would take a leave of absence until the investigation is concluded. He is denying the claims.
In a statement issued by his lawyers, the 29-year-old right-back said that the allegation was “simply untrue”.
“Throughout the first half, I was subjected to abuse and disparaging comments from the Albion Rovers dug out. I did not react to these,” it read.
“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.
“I would never attack another player’s mental health or wellbeing and will fully cooperate with the Scottish FA investigation into this matter.”
Footballer on verge of quitting due to tauntsCox goaded by players & fans over mental healthBartley urges social media companies to actFormer Annan Athletic and Cowdenbeath striker Cox has gone public a number of times about his battle with depression and the abuse he has received within the game.
In a social media video, the part-time player said: “Second half just starting Albion Rovers-Stenhousemuir and I have left the stadium. I wasn’t playing tonight, I was on the bench.
“One of the boys in the Stenny team, we were having a bit of to and fro and they had a go at my mental health. Told me I should have done it right the first time.
“Some folk might not think it’s a big deal, but I’m fed up listening to it. I don’t get paid enough for it.
“If they had put me on the park, I’d probably have broken the boy’s legs deliberately. I tried to speak to the referees about it, but they didn’t want to know because they didn’t hear it.
“So I’m going to do something about it and for me it’s leaving the game. I’m done with it. I either keep playing and I’m going to batter somebody on the park, which is not good and will result in me being the bad one.”
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