Former PFA Chairman Clarke Carlisle Isn’t Happy With Aaron Lennon Situation

Former player of Leeds United Clarke Carlisle has said he is not surprised by the mental health problems suffered by former team-mate Aaron Lennon. Everton winger Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act in Salford on Sunday amid concerns for his welfare.

Carlisle insists the illness can affect anyone, irrespective of who they are or what they do.

He said “People are still surprised because they believe to have a mental health illness it needs to be justified by circumstance, mental health issues are as indiscriminate as any other illness. In Aaron's case I am saddened as he is a former colleague and a friend of mine but I am not shocked at all because statistics tell me he is in the prime bracket to be affected by this not only by age but also by social demographic: a young, black man in the modern era is highly susceptible to certain mental health issues. I know Everton are one of the leading clubs when it comes to care and welfare in the community and their club so I have no doubt whatsoever Aaron and his family will get the full support of the club.”