A soccer player who previously attempted suicide retired mid-game after an opposition player allegedly told him he should have 'done it right the first time'

• A Scottish soccer player retired mid-game after an opposition player taunted him about his mental health.
• David Cox says he was told he "should have done it right the first time" by an opposition player.
• Cox has previously said that he has attempted suicide in the past.

A Scottish soccer player who has previously attempted suicide retired mid-game after an opposition player allegedly told him he should have "done it right the first time."

David Cox, who plays for semi-professional outfit Albion Rovers, says he was subjected to the abuse during his side's 1-0 win over Stenhousemuir on Thursday in Scotland's fourth tier.

In a video shared to social media, Cox said: "Second half just starting Albion Rovers-Stenhousemuir and I have left the stadium. I wasn't playing tonight, I was on the bench.

"One of the boys in the Stenny team, we were having a bit of to and fro and they had a go at my mental health. Told me I should have done it right the first time."

Cox has gone public a number of times about his battle with depression and in 2019 said that he tried to take his own life in 2014.

"I promised myself the next time it happens I will walk off the park," Cox continued in the video.

"I wasn't playing, I am done with football completely. Some folk might not think it is a big deal, but I am fed up for it. I don't get paid enough.

"I tried to speak to the referees about it, but they didn't want to know because they didn't hear it. We talk about racism, personal issues and because it is not heard by officials there is nothing they can do about it. So I am going to do something about it.

"I am leaving the game. I am done with it."

Albion Rovers later released a statement on Twitter, saying: "We stand with David Cox. The unforgivable incident that occurred during tonight's match must not be downplayed. David, you have all at Albion Rovers and Scottish football's unconditional support."

Stenhousemuir said: "The club is aware of a verbal altercation that took place between players from both Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers during tonight's match.

During his video, Cox did not name the player who he alleged had made the comments, but the club's statement mentioned Jonathan Tiffoney, a defender for Stenhousemuir.

"We have spoken to the players involved, David Cox who was on the bench, and Jonathan Tiffoney 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.

Tiffoney himself has denied aiming any abuse at Cox, saying in a statement, as cited by the Daily Record: "I would never attack another player's mental health or wellbeing."

The incident has been referred to the Scottish FA for investigation. The Scottish FA did not immediately reply to Insider's request for comment.