Rangers ace Scott Arfield pays tribute to former team-mate on seventh anniversary of his death
RANGERS ace Scott Arfield has paid tribute to a former team-mate on the seventh anniversary of his death.
Former Falkirk midfielder Chris Mitchell took his own life aged 27 in 2016 after struggling with anxiety and depression.
He and Arfield both came through together at the Bairns in 2007 and played together until the Ibrox midfielder moved to Huddersfield in 2010.
Arfield has made a habit in recent years of marking his friend’s passing – who was just three months older than him - with a social media post to show Mitchell may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
A second-half substitute for Fashion Sakala in Rangers’ win over Aberdeen this afternoon, the former Canada international posted a picture on his Instagram story of him, Mitchell and another former team-mate, Mark Stewart.
And under it was a poignant message: “Always remembered my boy.”
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Former Scotland under-21 defender Mitchell also starred for Ayr United, Bradford, Queen of the South and Clyde.
To make something positive out of a tragic event, The Chris Mitchell Foundation was established in 2018 to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing for players past and present, and staff, working within the Scottish game.
A statement on their website explains more about its purpose.
It reads: “Chris developed mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety.
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“Sadly, all the support from his family and friends could not deter him from ending his own life on the 7th May, 2016, he was only 27.
“Great work is already being done within this industry.
“Professional football clubs are also recognising the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of their players and staff, and some have already publically pledged to work with and support a variety of mental health charities.
“The Chris Mitchell Foundation aims to build on this, by working collaboratively with these organisations and others, to promote mental health and wellbeing on a national scale.
“Our three-year strategic plan provides the focus and underpins the groundwork for the inaugural year of the charity and we hope you will join us on our journey to help safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s professional footballers and staff.”
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