Mental health charity CEO 'not surprised' by alleged mental health taunts aimed at David Cox
Former Kilmarnock forward Cox has spoken openly about his off-the-field struggles in the past and says this latest incident is serious enough for him to retire from the sport.
The chief executive of mental health charity Back Onside says she was 'not surprised' to hear about mental health taunts aimed at Albion Rovers striker David Cox.
It's after the 32-year-old alleged a Stenhousemuir player made the remark in Thursday's league Two clash, something which he has since denied.
Cox has spoken openly about his off-the-field struggles in the past and says this latest incident is serious enough for him to retire from the sport.
Libby Emmerson, chief executive of Back Onside, said: "Knowing how many times this has happened to him before and the things that have been said before, and how he's been treated - I know where his head can go really quickly.
"But to be honest hearing what was said, I was not surprised because it's happened so often, it's happened to David so often, that I suppose it was just a matter of time before it happened again.
"I know that's terrible to say that but unfortunately that is what's happening in football and something needs to be done."
Libby says targeting the alleged suspect though, isn't the answer.
She said: "I don't think it should be turned into witch hunt on social media and everybody turning against those individuals because to be honest that's just being as bad as what people are being to David."
Stenhousemuir say they are aware of the incident and will cooperate with the Scottish FA in an investigation.
In a club statement they said: "The club is aware of a verbal altercation that took place between players from both Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers during tonight’s match. We have spoken to the players involved, David Cox (Albion Rovers) who was on the bench, and Jonathan Tiffoney (Stenhousemuir) who was playing.
"Both players are making claims of serious and wholly inappropriate comments being made during the game that have implications for player wellbeing and mental health.
"Whilst we accept that things can get said during a game, we believe the allegations are sufficiently serious enough to merit a more detailed investigation. We will be referring this to the Scottish FA tomorrow and will work with them and our colleagues at Albion Rovers to investigate the incident".