Stephen Warnock has spoken publicly for the first time about experiencing seizures as a young player in Liverpool’s academy, saying he was afraid disclosure could cost him his place at the club.
The former Premier League footballer, now 44 and a 5 Live pundit, made the revelation while discussing Hull City midfielder Matt Crooks, who has epilepsy. Warnock said he suffered several seizures while at Liverpool before eventually “growing out of it”.
“I was petrified of telling Liverpool because I was worried of being released,” Warnock said. He also feared having a seizure during a match, particularly because he did not know what caused them.
Warnock experienced his first seizure at school. He recalled waking up in a hospital bed after losing consciousness, with friends explaining that he had suffered a seizure and that an ambulance had taken him to hospital. He said he felt embarrassed because nobody around him had experienced anything similar and he did not understand what had happened.
After another seizure at home, Warnock underwent CT and MRI scans. He said the episodes continued for around three years.
Warnock began his career in Liverpool’s youth system and later made 67 appearances for the club. He also played for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Leeds United before retiring from football in 2018.
He said he has not had a seizure since he was 14, although he still worries that one could happen again. Warnock added that he was fortunate not to need medication or face restrictions on driving, and described the broadcast as the first time he had fully discussed the experience.
Sources: BBC Sport.