Football and brain injuries

Football and brain injuries

Author: The Celtic Underground June 8, 2026 Duration: 1:15:47

For decades, football, boxing and other contact sports have thrilled millions, but an uncomfortable question continues to grow louder: what price do athletes pay for repeated blows to the head? In this fascinating discussion with expert (and Celtic fan) Paul Fivey, we explore the latest research linking sport-related brain injuries to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and motor neurone disease. From the pioneering work that first identified CTE in boxers to groundbreaking studies involving former professional footballers, we examine what the science now tells us about the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma.

The recent news that former Lisbon Lion Jim Craig is living with Alzheimer’s disease has once again brought the debate into sharp focus. We discuss the evidence surrounding heading the ball, how brain damage develops over time, the differences between various neurodegenerative diseases, and what governing bodies, clubs and medical professionals are doing to make sport safer for future generations without losing the essence of the games we love.

Two websites recommended on the chat are:

https://www.brainhelpandhope.org/

&

https://www.headway.org.uk/

Enjoy…

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For nearly two decades, The Celtic Underground has been a constant, unfiltered voice for supporters of Glasgow Celtic. This isn't a polished broadcast studio production; it’s the sound of the stands and the pub, captured in audio form. As the longest-running football fan podcast of its kind, it offers a unique space where passion and analysis collide. You’ll hear the same kind of debates, frustrations, and celebrations that happen among friends, all centered on following the club through every triumph and challenge. The conversations are driven by lifelong fans who live and breathe the team, offering perspectives that go far beyond the weekend’s scoreline. Tuning into this podcast means joining a long-running conversation about history, culture, and the sheer drama of supporting Celtic. It’s raw, it’s real, and it comes directly from the heart of the support, providing a weekly touchstone for fans around the world who share that same green and white faith.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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