At 1am this morning, July 11, 2016, The Sun published pictures of Paul Gascoigne “at a new low” as he exposed himself to photographers and neighbours alike after a run to the shop to buy drink.
Revered for his footballing talent, the former England, Tottenham and Newcastle legend is also a renowned alcoholic.
His shortcomings have been well-documented due to his stardom, but alcoholism is an epidemic that strangles the British nation. The North-East’s sweetheart is far from an anomaly amongst healthier statistics.
Football is an unforgiving business when it comes to mental health. The stories of George Best and Gary Speed are painful reminders of how suffering fell on deaf ears. The post-mortem of regret and sympathy do little to bring back the characters lost forever from the world and the game alike.
This unfolding story of Paul Gascoigne raises alarm bells to anyone who has witnessed a similar story. But with the media’s co-operation and awareness of England as a whole, it isn’t too late.
Whilst alcoholism does grip the mind, eclipsing sense and rationale with a poison that floods the majority of the brain, there is a little window of honesty that peers through the crack in the wall.
To allow yourself to be degraded in such a way, to fall out of your gown as you stagger into a taxi as Gazza did this morning, is a call for help.
Alcoholism is a crafty illness, with a personality that feeds off deception. The victims trick themselves, convinced that another drink may null any onrushing anxiety. But they also hoodwink those around them, concealing both their depression and how they continue to get hold of drink against the advice of others.
Hailing a taxi to an off-licence in the early hours let Gazza show the world that he was past caring. He is instantly recognisable, especially in his native north-east.The depressive ingredient took hold, outweighing hope.
The football world needs to wake up and help. For all its wealth and power, it so often loses sight of humanity and the sense of tending for its own. The entire industry is built on support, loyalty is what makes any turnstile across the country tick over.
England are in danger of losing a great before his time, just like Northern Ireland and Wales have in recent times. The story from The Sun this morning, as clumsily and recklessly as it was delivered, should be served as a warning to all those who have the opportunity to step in.
The age-old cliche that nobody but an alcoholic puts that drink to their mouth is a vile, dated and offensive concept. Yes, the sufferer’s body makes the final decision. They yield the axe over their own head. But anybody who knows them has the opportunity to stop that from happening.
If we could cure cancer with love, support and devotion, we would. The same can be said of dementia, of Alzheimer’s too. What do you think charities are trying to do? The mortality rate of alcoholism can be combatted with empathy, patience and support.
I beg those with even an ounce of self-respect in the media: Next time you see a man at his wits end falling out of a taxi with his body exposed, don’t reach for your camera. Put it down, rush over, take his hand and help him back. Go through his phone not for your contacts, but for his to find support.
To those fortunate enough to work in the beautiful game? Reach out and combat it’s uglier side.
Alastair Ross - Grim up North 