Women’s footballers rally around Maddy Cusack’s family in the wake of revelation that Sheffield United have opened a probe into their player’s death… after her mother claimed that she was ‘broken by football’

Women’s footballers have rallied around the family of Maddy Cusack in the wake of their statement that claimed that the 27-year-old had been ‘allowed to be broken by football’ before she died. 

The Sheffield United vice-captain’s death 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 at the time, Derbyshire Police said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her passing. 

But new light was shed on Cusack’s death with the publication of a speech read by her mother Deborah at her memorial in October which stressed in clear terms that the family believe football had a role to play in their loss.

The Instagram story also confirmed on Monday that Sheffield United had opened an investigation into events they believe may have contributed to her death. 

Deborah Cusack (right, pictured left) initially read the speech at her daughter’s memorial 

Cusack was the club’s longest-serving player and had been appointed Blades’ vice-captain

In response to Mail Sport’s exclusive story on the speech’s publication, a number of footballers and former players insisted that the claims in the statement should be taken seriously. 

Former West Bromwich Albion player and Stourbridge FC assistant coach Natasha Tezgel wrote: ‘Devastating statement. How many times, people before players.

‘The system is broken. The most important part of football is the people, and it is unacceptable to treat players as though they do not matter.

‘Heartbreaking statement from the Cusack family, thoughts are with them.’ 

Newcastle’s Amber-Keegan Stobbs added: ‘Truly beautiful piece written by the mother of Maddy, an indomitable, irrepressible spirit that was broken by the game.

‘For many years I’ve had so many conversations to try & change things that’s to directly to FA, PFA, club staff, GMs, CEO’s… FOOTBALL NEEDS TO DO BETTER!’

Her team-mate, Cara Milne-Redhead agreed, writing: ‘(broken heart emoji) Football is not always “the beautiful game”. Footballers please protect each other, it can be such a vulnerable place to be.

‘No mam should ever have to write this. Miss you everyday Maddy (dove of peace emoji).’

Cusack’s team-makes have spoken about feeling ‘broken’ in the wake of her death

The club’s men’s side paid tribute to the player following her death before a Premier League tie

Among those who responded to the statement on social media were former West Brom player Tash Tazgel and Cusack’s ex-team-mate Hollie Barker

Along similar themes, Cusack’s former team-mate Hollie Barker posted: ‘How the “beautiful game” can have taken such a beautiful soul. Unfortunately, it’s not always beautiful (broken hear emoji) I miss you so much Mads (dove of peace emoji).’

The sentiment was further underscored by Leanne Hall, who currently assists Carla Ward at WSL side Aston Villa, who raised awareness of the hopelessness felt by some players in the English game. 

‘Whilst the external brand (crowds/stadiums) is the priority & measure of success it will continue to hide the internal failings. Many players/staff struggling with no help or voice,’ she posted. 

‘Resources are substandard & the game is broken. The growth is irrelevant if lives are being lost.’

A number of voices across women’s football responded urging people to take the statement seriously and enact change

Deborah Cusack’s statement had cited February 2023 as a turning point in her daughter’s relationship with football, writing: ‘From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected, was allowed to be broken, taking her away from me.’

In the additional statement confirming the Blades’ appointment of an independent firm to carrying out the internal investigation, the family shared that: ‘those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.’

But, the statement continued, ‘this all changed gradually from February this year’. 

Sheffield United currently sit eighth in the second division.