Former Liverpool Player Opens Up About Hidden Battle with Seizures

Stephen Warnock, a former defender for Liverpool, has revealed that he kept his seizures a secret during his youth. He feared that telling the club would lead to his release.

The 44-year-old, who now works as a football pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, shared his story after an interview with Hull City midfielder Matt Crooks, who has epilepsy. Warnock, who played 67 games for Liverpool, experienced several seizures as a teenager but was too scared to inform the club.

He said, “I was petrified of telling Liverpool because I was worried of being released.” Warnock recalled his first seizure occurring at school, where he lost consciousness and woke up in a hospital. He remembered feeling confused and embarrassed, as he was unaware of his condition until it happened.

After suffering another seizure at home, he underwent tests to find out the cause. This went on for about three years, but he has not had a seizure since he was 14 years old. He believes he grew out of the condition without needing medication.

Warnock, who retired from professional football in 2018, also played for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Leeds United. His experience sheds light on the challenges young athletes face when dealing with medical issues while trying to succeed in sports.

Epilepsy, a neurological condition, affects about one in 100 people in the UK. While medication can help manage seizures, it requires careful attention.