Stars and family rally round Gascoigne

Feb 23 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

FORMER Newcastle star Paul Gascoigne yesterday received scores of messages from his family and fellow football stars pledging their support to his recovery.

Originally from Dunston, Gateshead, the football legend is being detained under the Mental Health Act following a disturbance at the Malmaison, in Newcastle, on Wednesday.

He was arrested at the Gateshead Hilton Hotel after he was said to be acting as a “potential menace”.

But yesterday support was led by his step-daughter Bianca Gascoigne, who said while she had not seen her stepfather “for some time”, her thoughts were with him.

She said: “Obviously there has been a lot of speculation in the news lately about my dad.

“It’s a sad situation that has had an impact on my family and he needs respect and privacy at this time to get back to good health.

“My thoughts are with him and I wish him all the best in his recovery.”

Staff and guests at the hotel were reported to be “threatened” after Gascoigne’s behaviour became increasingly erratic, culminating in him setting off a fire alarm.

The 40-year-old is then said to have left the Malmaison at 6am on Wednesday after a confrontation with a hotel worker during which police were called.

United manager Kevin Keegan believes Gascoigne’s detention could be the best thing for him.

Keegan was a player at Newcastle when Gascoigne first began his career in the 1980s. Now in his second stint at managing Newcastle, Keegan said he hoped Gascoigne was treated for his problems.

He said: “It’s sad, but maybe what has happened now will be a turning point for him, and instead of looking on it as something that is really bad, this might be the best thing.”

“I have talked with his dad and one of his sisters and I know it looks negative, but I think it is a massive positive for Paul Gascoigne. I think it will prove to be really important in the life of Paul Gascoigne.”

Sunderland manager Roy Keane, is also said to be praying for the troubled retired footballer.

Keane, who was a major rival to Gascoigne throughout his playing career said: “We all send our best to Paul. It’s obviously sad, but we pray from everyone at Sunderland that he pulls through OK because no-one likes to see that.

“That is a problem, particularly with a lot of footballers when you stop playing, there is a massive gap in your life.

“We all pray that Paul finds a bit of peace and serenity because he deserves it.”

It is still unclear where the former England star is receiving treatment, but it is thought he is being held at Darlington’s Middleton St George Hospital.

A spokesperson for the institution, which offers psychiatric intensive care, rehabilitation and recovery services, said they were unable to confirm that Gascoigne was detained there.

They said: “We cannot officially confirm – because of patient confidentiality – that patients are in our hospital.”

The services available at the hospital include detox with mental illness, low secure rehabilitation and open intensive rehabilitation.

Under the 1983 Mental Health Act anyone found to be mentally disordered in a public place can be detained for a maximum of 72 hours.

Usually the person will be examined by a doctor and will then be interviewed by a social worker. It is thought that Gascoigne will have the opportunity to leave tomorrow, if he is deemed fit enough.