Gary Ablett’s widow alarmed at artificial pitches claim

The widow of former Liverpool defender and reserve team boss Gary Ablett is demanding to know if artificial 3G pitches could have contributed to his death following claims that they could be linked to cancer.

Former USA international goalkeeper Amy Griffin’s claims she has found more than 158 cases of footballers who have played on the surfaces that have developed cancer (60% of them goalkeepers) which includes University of Miami goalkeeper Austen Everett (25) who died in 2012.

The infill of rubber pellets, made from ground-up tyres, may contain toxic chemicals including mercury, lead, benzene and arsenic but the makers deny their product is a danger. Critics state that pellets can be accidentally swallowed or become lodged in wounds.

Eric O’Donnell, a synthetic pitch consultant, says research proves that “you would need to ingest vast quantities to have any impact on your health” and insists that they are so safe that he allows his children to play on them.

Jacqueline Ablett, whose husband Gary died in 2012 as a result of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is calling for an investigation by the footballing authorities.

She said: “3G pitches only came along a lot after Gary quit football but he used them as he began coaching.

“I am so alarmed by these claims because our 15-year-old son Riley plays every week on a 3G surface for his county team.

“He does sliding tackles and comes home with cuts and grazes, so I’m always cleaning his injuries to prevent infection.

“When he takes his socks off the rubber pellets go everywhere. It’s worrying, especially for parents whose kids play on 3G surfaces.”

Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir, which has a synthetic pitch, have consulted world governing body FIFA following the developments. 11 other professional clubs north of the border also play their home matches on artificial turf.

The FA said: “We are aware of the concerns and are monitoring industry research as well as conducting our own.”