WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Australian Rugby Union great Ben Tune's startling admission just 2 months ago that he had attempted suicide whilst in a massive state of depression was a shock and stark reminder of just how fragile our Sporting Heroes can be. A 1999 World Cup Winner, Tune seemed to have the fairytale Rugby Union career, one that any Australian kid who follows the game would love to have some day. Tune's brave decision to step forward and share his story was courageous to say the least. Not only did he go in to personal detail about his ordeal, but he helped many sufferers of Depression by sharing experiences that sound all too familiar for anyone who is plagued with this mental affliction. Tune also sent out a message to the Sporting world that, no matter how superhuman you might be on the field, Sportsmen and women are only human. As we (society) take giant steps forward in learning more about this thing called "Depression", we must also understand that not only is it common and prevalent, but that it can happen to anyone. Annual events like Movember, Mental Illness Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day, go along way in bringing the human race together on the topic of Depression and, as time goes by, the Taboo will slowly get lifted like a giant weight off one's shoulders. So next time you're out with mates or a family member, take the time out to see how they're doing and how they're feeling in life. Even if it's only for 10 minutes, it can go a long way and potentially save a life. It's staggering to think there are nearly 50 Footballers who have committed suicide in the last 120 years or so, some have been high profile players while others kept a low profile. Although we tend to be quite upbeat and known for larrikinism here on Inside the Box, today we will do something very different and take a look at 5 Footballers who tragically died as a result of Suicide.

1) Dave Clement:















Dave Clement was an integral part of the Queens Park Rangers side of the 1970's which nearly won the title in the 1975/76 season. In a team which boasted the likes of Stanley Bowles, Terry Venables and Gerry Francis, Clement had just as much to do with the success of the club as the aforementioned players. He even picked up 5 caps for England during his time at QPR. Sadly in 1982 (after suffering depression), he died aged 34 after poisoning himself with Weedkiller.

2) Agostino Di Bartolomei:

 













Famously touted as "One of the greatest Italian players never to have been capped by the national team", Agostino Di Bartolomei had a distinguished 18 year career which included a Serie A title, 3 Coppa Italias and a European Cup Runners Up Medal. All of which were won with his hometown club A.S. Roma. An elegant playmaking Midfielder, Di Bartolomei often drew chants from the home crowd for his ability to find the back of the net. The famous chant being "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Agostino, Ago, Ago, Ago, Agostino gol!!!". Having scored 7 goals in his 8 Caps for the Under 21 side, it's a shame (and a crying shame at that) he never got to represent the National team. After a fulfilling career, Di Bartolomei retired from the game in 1990 aged 35. Just 4 years later, after suffering from clinical depression, he committed suicide by shooting himself. Agostino Di Bartolomei was just 39 years old.


3) Robert Enke:

Robert Enke had a fulfilling career as a Goalkeeper. Having represented Germany at nearly every level (Under 21's, Olympic Team, B team and National team), he also had an impressive club career, having played for clubs like Barcelona, Benfica and Hannover 96. After solid performances for Hannover 96, Enke was widely tipped as the man who would be Germany's goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sadly on November 10, 2009 Enke committed suicide by diving in front of a Regional express train in Neustadt am Rubenberge. Enke was only 32 years old at the time of his death. At club level, he was at the peak of his powers, though in his private life he had been battling with depression, (many believe it was the death of his daughter which drove him in to a deep state of depression).


4) Justin Fashanu :

Justin Fashanu is perhaps remembered more for his personal life than his Football career. Fashanu started his career with Norwich City in 1979 and, after some impressive performances, made the move to Nottingham Forest in 1981 for a fee of 1 Million pounds. There were great expectations of Fashanu as he became the first Black Footballer to sign a 1 Million Pound contract. Forest had also won a European Cup just one year prior to that in 1980. Sadly his time at Forest was brief and unmemorable as rumours began circulating of Fashanu's sexual preference (to this day Justin Fashanu is one of only a few Footballers who have come out as being Gay). Playing under the tough and uncompromising tutelage of Brian Clough didn't make things easier either. Clough once gave Fashanu a "dressing down" in the change rooms about his sexual preference, something which was very Taboo in the Early 1980's (Homosexuality). After leaving Forest in 1982, Fashanu had several loan spells with various clubs throughout the 1980's and 90's before eventually retiring in 1997 with New Zealand club Miramar Rangers AFC. Shortly after this, a sexual assault allegation was filed against Fashanu by a 17 year old American boy by the name of "DJ" in March of 1998. After years of family tension (brought on by media coverage of his personal life) and an impending arrest warrant (at least in the mind of Fashanu), Justin was found hanged in a deserted lock up garage in Shoreditch, London. Justin Fashanu was only 37 years old. In the aftermath of his death, an inquest was held in London just 6 months after his death about the incident. American officials made no request for Fashanu to be found or arrested even when the charges were laid and Fashanu was still alive. A sad irony in the wake of such a tragic loss.

5) Gary Speed:

Undoubtedly one of the greatest Footballers to ever come out of Wales. His career (which spanned 21 years) boasted 534 English Premier League appearances, 85 caps for Wales and a Premier League Championship from the 1991-92 season. Not a lot needs to be said about Gary Speed, as his career speaks for itself. Having played for clubs like Leeds United, Everton FC and Newcastle United, he was a stalwart in every team he played in. Whether it be leading the Midfield in attack or defence, Gary Speed was a no nonsense Footballer whose career seemed to go from strength to strength. Having retired from the game in 2010 at the age of 41, he made the inevitable switch to coaching and became Manager of Wales in early 2011 (a position he held right up until his death in November 2011). Tragically on November 27, 2011, The Football community went in to a state of shock as Gary Speed was pronounced dead at the Age of 42. Many football fans were left stunned to learn it was a Suicide which claimed the life of the 42 year old Welsh manager. Whatever is written or said about Gary Speed in years to come, one thing will always remain true about this man, he is perhaps the Greatest Midfielder Wales has ever produced.


Written by Alex Stilianos.