Troubled Gazza sectioned

Former England star arrested in Newcastle

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st February 2008

Troubled Gazza sectioned

Gascoigne: Troubled

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Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act after being arrested in Newcastle on Wednesday.

The former England star has endured numerous emotional problems since his retirement from the game.

He has battled against alcohol-related and drug problems for years as he struggled to come to terms with life without football.

The latest incident occurred at hotel in Gateshead on Wednesday evening when Northumbria police responded to a concerned call.

Detained

A statement released by the police said: "Police attended the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead yesterday evening after we received a report of concern for a 40-year-old who was staying at the hotel.

"The man was detained under the Mental Health Act and no-one was injured during the incident."

Once regarded as one of the world's best footballers, Gascoigne's playing career was plagued by personal problems, many linked to his heavy drinking.

He has has been treated on a number of occasions for drink and mental health problems.

In 2005, he was hospitalised with pneumonia, sparking fears over his long-term health, and last year he underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.

Sensitive

A spokeswoman for Hilton Hotels said Gascoigne had been at the hotel for only a day and there was no trouble before police arrived.

"He had only been staying with us for one night. He checked in on Wednesday morning," she said. "The call actually came in from the police so it was not from the Hilton.

"From our end the police call came in and we were obviously happy to help but there was nothing that happened at the hotel to make us think that there was anything wrong and once the police arrived that evening, he was escorted peacefully away."

She added: "It's a very sensitive situation."

Comments (41)

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Chris Walker (Newcastle United fan) says...

Get well soon Gazza, you are a true great!

Posted 08:48 22nd February 2008

Winston Robertson (Liverpool fan) says...

GAZZA a true legend of the most beautiful game in the world. You have much to give to the youngsters, get well soon my friend,God speed.Get up stand up don't give up the fight.

Posted 07:26 22nd February 2008

Jane Flawn (Birmingham City fan) says...

Gazza the true fans are behind you every step of the way and wish you a speedy recovery. Here's to a quick recovery.

Posted 21:00 21st February 2008

Chris Bray (Middlesbrough fan) says...

Sad to see Gazza having problems again. Even when I was watching him in a boro shirt he still put on the magic. Hope he gets through another hurdle in his life. Get well soon

Posted 20:56 21st February 2008

Ian Wilkins (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Gazza is a football legend, and I'll never forget the way he played at Spurs! all the best Paul, and get well soon!!!!

Posted 19:49 21st February 2008

Terry Fowkes (man utd fan) says...

There hasn't been too many players in the modern game that the words legend and genius can sum up. A true genius who was proud to play for club and country and not afraid to show his emotions,remember Italia 90 and Euro 96. Not many of todays overpaid premadonnas show that kind of pride and passion when playing for their country, fantastic player. Get well soon and hope he gets himself sorted.

Posted 19:41 21st February 2008

Peter Atherton newcastle fan says...

It's sad to see him suffer the way he does when his life was all about football, when he retired a lot of him died inside. He gave us all so much enjoyment and I hope that he can find the same type of enjoyment in his life outside of football. Get Well Soon Gazza!

Posted 17:51 21st February 2008

Gareth Wolstenholme says...

I rated him the best in the world in his day, so sorry to hear your having problems Gazza, get well soon mate.

Posted 16:51 21st February 2008

Pete Starkey (Charlton Athletic fan) says...

This guy was, and always will be, a legend from the English game. I remember Charlton fans giving him stick in a home league game v's Boro, and with one gesture, had the entire North Stand applauding him! You just don't get characters in the game like him anymore. I hope that from this point on that his treatment works and he can bury his demons once and for all. We're all behind you Gazza!

Posted 16:50 21st February 2008

Steve Handley (West Ham United fan) says...

Get well soon Gazza, you are still a true legend in the eyes of millions of supporters worldwide. The most exciting player i have ever seen. All the best ....

Posted 16:49 21st February 2008

Ben Gaw says...

Get well soon gazza.As a Rangers fan i have great memories of your time at our great club. A legend and a genius

Posted 16:47 21st February 2008

Trevor Farrugia (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Gazza is the reason I am a spurs fan. How could I not be after watching him in Italia 90. The emotions he gave me back then were among the best of my life. Long live the King, long live Gazza. Gazza if you ll ever read this please remember that there are so many fans who wish u ll get your act together again. Where there is a will there is a way as you know quite well.

Posted 16:46 21st February 2008

David Thomas says...

Get well soon Gazza you were a true genius I well remember the joy you gave us all no matter who you played for. The game should now look after you for all the joy you gave us all. From a Welsh Fan to an English genius get well soon son.

Posted 16:44 21st February 2008

Cathie Mccrorie says...

hope this is your turning point paul speedy recovery and god bless

Posted 16:38 21st February 2008

Stephen Mcdonald (Rangers fan) says...

Too many times these days do we hear "World class" Well Gazza was a world class footballer and I look forward to hearing of his recovery. Get well soon!

Posted 16:37 21st February 2008

Stuart Hannah (Liverpool fan) says...

Gazza is a legend.... good luck paul

Posted 16:33 21st February 2008

Alastair Jenkins (Derby County fan) says...

Great shame about Gazza. I think the suggestion that Keegan gives him a job at Newcastle, is a great one. Even if he was given a coaching role with the youth team, it would give him a purpose in life that he clearly doesn't have at the moment. In any event, I hope he gets well soon and I think football as a whole should back him and encourage whatever he can still offer the game.

Posted 16:28 21st February 2008

Dave Taylor (Sunderland fan) says...

Another sad day in the life of a man so gifted but touched with so much tragedy. Gazza was a true Genius on the football pitch. Even as a Sunderland fan he was one of my boyhood heros, he was simply the best player of his era and one of the best ever! Remember his goal against Scotland at Wembley in Euro '96 when he lifted the ball over Colin Hendry's head then belted it passed Andy Goram, I've never seen anyone do that since.... Pure Genius! All the best Gazza, get well soon.

Posted 16:26 21st February 2008

Davey Graham (Newcastle United fan) says...

He is still probably the most talented player I ever had the pleasure to watch in a Black and White shirt, on his day, not even Pedro or Ginola could touch him for pure ability..........the only word that springs to mind to sum up Gazza is LEGEND!!! All the best geordie boy, get well soon!!!!!!!!!

Posted 16:19 21st February 2008

Ginny Mcintyre says...

Just to wish Gazza a get well soon message... xxx

Posted 16:18 21st February 2008
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