Female footballers have rallied behind Maddy Cusack’s family in the wake of their statement claiming the 27-year-old was ‘allowed to be broken by football’ before she took her own life in September.
The death of the Sheffield United vice-captain sent shockwaves through the sport, with clubs in the Women’s Super League, England’s Lionesses and the Sheffield United men’s side all paying tribute to the club’s longest-serving player.
Cusack died at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, and Derbyshire Police said at the time that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
But new light was shed on Cusack’s death with the publication of a speech read by her mother Deborah at her memorial service in October, which emphasized in no uncertain terms that the family believes football could play a role in their loss.
The Instagram Story also confirmed on Monday that Sheffield United had opened an investigation into events they believe contributed to her death.
Maddy Cusack’s colleagues have responded to a statement from the player’s mother following her tragic death
Deborah Cusack (right, left in photo) initially read the speech at her daughter’s memorial
Cusack was the club’s longest serving player and had been appointed Blades vice-captain
Your browser does not support iframes.
Reacting to Mail Sport’s exclusive story on the publication of the speech, a number of footballers and former players stressed that the claims in the statement had to be taken seriously.
Former West Bromwich Albion player and Stourbridge FC assistant coach Natasha Tezgel wrote: ‘Devastating statement. How often, people before players.
‘The system is broken. The most important part of football is the people, and it is unacceptable to treat players as if they don’t matter.
“Heartbreaking statement from the Cusack family, our thoughts are with them.”
Amber-Keegan Stobbs from Newcastle added: ‘Really beautiful piece written by Maddy’s mother, an indomitable, unstoppable spirit who was broken by the game
‘For years I’ve had so many conversations trying to change things, straight to FA, PFA, club staff, managing directors, CEOs… FOOTBALL NEEDS TO DO BETTER!’
Her teammate, Cara Milne-Redhead, agreed, writing: ‘(broken heart emoji) Football isn’t always ‘the beautiful game’. Football players please protect each other, it can be such a vulnerable place to be.
Cusack’s team members have spoken about feeling “broken” after her death by suicide
The club’s men’s team paid tribute to the player after her death before a Premier League draw
Among those who responded to the statement on social media were former West Brom player Tash Tazgel and Cusack’s ex-teammate Hollie Barker.
“No mother should ever write this. I miss you every day Maddy (dove of peace emoji).”
On similar themes, Cusack’s former teammate Hollie Barker posted: ‘How the “beautiful game” could have acquired such a beautiful soul. Unfortunately, it’s not always pretty (broken emoji). I miss you so much Mads (dove of peace emoji).”
The sentiment was further underlined by Leanne Hall, who is currently assisting Carla Ward at WSL side Aston Villa, who raised awareness of the hopelessness felt by some players in the English game.
‘While the external brand (audience/stadiums) is the priority and measure of success, it will continue to hide internal shortcomings. Many players/staff struggle without help or voice,” she posted.
‘The raw materials are substandard and the game is broken. The growth is irrelevant if lives are lost.”
A number of voices in women’s football responded, urging people to take the statement seriously and implement change
Deborah Cusack’s statement cited February 2023 as a turning point in her daughter’s relationship with football, writing: “From February this year, the indomitable, unstoppable spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit we had so fiercely protected, are released. broken, taking her from me.”
In the additional statement confirming the Blades’ appointment of an independent firm to conduct the internal investigation, the family said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-term mental health problems or had problems.’
But, the statement continued, “this all gradually changed starting in February this year.”
Sheffield United are currently eighth in the second division.