Ryan Mason: Heading in football might not exist in 10-15 years

[Tucker]

How many footballers have got dementia over the 170 years if the sport? Be serious. You're trying to kill the headache by cutting off the head. Literally.

Well it’s looking increasingly like a lot of ex footballers are getting dementia actually. Obviously more research is needed, but it’s pretty ridiculous and frankly dangerous to simply ignore the problem.

 

[sebo_sek]

Well it’s looking increasingly like a lot of ex footballers are getting dementia actually. Obviously more research is needed, but it’s pretty ridiculous and frankly dangerous to simply ignore the problem.

It's ridiculous. If you eliminate heading then boxing and MMA should be delegalised. End of. Professional players know the risks.

 

[Tucker]

boxing and MMA should be delegalised.

Maybe they should be.

 

[sebo_sek]

Maybe they should be.

Again, fighters know the risks.

 

[Tucker]

Again, fighters know the risks.

Do they? Because I’m pretty sure Nobby Stiles, Bobby Charlton et al didn’t know the risk. That’s all that’s happening at the moment is that people are trying to determine what the risk actually is. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for that to happen.

 

[sebo_sek]

Do they? Because I’m pretty sure Nobby Stiles, Bobby Charlton et al didn’t know the risk. That’s all that’s happening at the moment is that people are trying to determine what the risk actually is. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for that to happen.

But you're advocating changing the game based on circumstances that no longer excist. The equipment is more player friendly than it was 60 years ago.

 

[Tucker]

But you're advocating changing the game based on circumstances that no longer excist. The equipment is more player friendly than it was 60 years ago.

Am I? I’ve not said I’m for or against anything in regards to changing the game. Just that the risk needs to be determined.

 

[sebo_sek]

But you're advocating changing the game based on circumstances that no longer excist. The equipment is more player friendly than it was 60 years ago.

@Tucker you don't agree based on what? Aren't rhe balls lighter these days?

 

[sebo_sek]

Am I? I’ve not said I’m for or against anything in regards to changing the game. Just that the risk needs to be determined.

I would ask you to give precise data on player dementia over the 170 years of semi-professional/professional football theat we know - worldwide. The odd life-crushing injury does happen - but then so do car accidents. Do we get rif of cars because of it?

 

[sebo_sek]

I would ask you to give precise data on player dementia over the 170 years of semi-professional/professional football theat we know - worldwide. The odd life-crushing injury does happen - but then so do car accidents. Do we get rid of cars because of it?

 

[Tucker]

@Tucker you don't agree based on what? Aren't rhe balls lighter these days?

Not really, they don’t take on as much weight from absorbing water these days, but the balls are still pretty hefty. It’s not like they are playing with those £1 kids balls with pictures of unicorns on that you can buy at petrol stations.

Also, the disagree was mainly because I’m not advocating changing the game, you were putting words in my mouth.

 

[teok]

@Tucker you don't agree based on what? Aren't rhe balls lighter these days?

They move quicker.

I would ask you to give precise data on player dementia over the 170 years of semi-professional/professional football theat we know - worldwide. The odd life-crushing injury does happen - but then so do car accidents. Do we get rif of cars because of it?

It's the constant mild hits that give it. I don't have a source to hand but I watched that doc.

 

[teok]

Old pros with dementia are too proud to say anything. Hopefully another generation will see the light.

 

[Gareth88]

Hopefully and then we will stop conceding so many goals from set pieces

 

[bat-chain]

Our players have packed it in early.

 

[mightyspur]

I don't think they will ban heading the ball. Probably will be for under 16s/18s, but it is far more likely they'll insist players have to wear protective padded head bands or something

 

[ShayLaB]

I can see some heading being removed. The most obvious way would seem be to bans headers if the ball was played from the opposition half.