Holyrood has 'passed buck' on stars hurt heading ball

THE widow of football legend Frank Kopel has blasted the SNP Government over new delays in using welfare powers to help players with dementia.

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON

Ministers are allowing the DWP to continue delivering industrial injury payments despite growing calls for urgent action for ex-pros hurt by heading the ball.

Amanda Kopel, whose husband Frank died from dementia after a successful career with Dundee United, said: "Another delay is seriously awful. The SNP government is just passing the buck. The dead cannot fight for justice."

A cross-party commission in 2014 led to industrial injuries benefits devolved to Holyrood.

But since then, the Scottish Government has signed deals with Whitehall, allowing the DWP to take the lead on some devolved benefits.

The Record can reveal another extension to the 'agency' agreement has been agreed with the DWP until 2027.

It has angered campaigners who want the SNP government to overhaul the benefit to help retired footballers.