Well known footballer Paul Gascoigne appeared on stage during a charity appearance only to break down sobbing and shaking, to the amazement of gathered fans. At 45 years old, the man started to slowly shake as he got on the stage and then broke down in the middle of a speech in Northampton over the course of last week. His agent Terry Bake told the press that he needed some immediate medical assistance due to over drinking, and that his situation could be dire.
His drinking problems are nothing new, but Gascoigne often claimed that he believes he can get back on track, and that Gazza, as the fans know him, will surmount this latest challenge, even after his latest relapse. According to the Gordon Taylor, the CEO of Professional Footballers Association (PFA) said that they still support the former England midfielder, and that whatever help he needs, the association was ready to provide it as long as he comes on board for it.
That is not to say that the PFA has not been concerned about his situation. Taylor said that he and other members of the association were worried about him, and did not want a repeat of what happened back in 2005, when Northern Ireland winger George Best died at the age of 59 due to addiction to drinking for many years.
After the incident, a tweet from Peter Schmeichel commented on the fact that the association needed to step up their efforts to help stars who struggle with such issues, and that everyone should pitch in. Taylor said that so far the PFA has had numerous occasions when they offered support to Gascoigne. The star has to engage when people try to help him, which so far does not appear to be the case.