Gordon McQueen inquest finds heading ball ‘likely’ contributed to Scotland legend’s brain disease

FootballHealth & Fitness
26 Jan 2026 • 9:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Former Scotland international footballer Gordon McQueen died at his North Yorkshire home in June 2023, aged 70.
  • His death was attributed to pneumonia, which developed due to frailty caused by mixed vascular dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
  • A coroner concluded that repetitive head impacts from heading the ball during his football career "likely" contributed to the CTE.
  • McQueen earned 30 caps for Scotland between 1974 and 1981 and had a 16-year career playing for clubs including Manchester United and Leeds.
  • The inquest in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, delivered a narrative conclusion, linking his football career to the brain injury that was a factor in his death.

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