Debate over the Covid-19 jab continues after former professional player Jay Bothroyd linked heart problems he experienced late in his career to the clot shot.
Bothroyd told Piers Morgan he received two Covid jab doses while playing in Japan and continued playing for about six months before developing an irregular heartbeat. He subsequently underwent heart surgery during the final year of his professional career.
Bothroyd blamed the jab for his cardiac problems.
The comments come amid separate controversy surrounding Swiss footballer Granit Xhaka, who admitted obtaining a fake jab certificate while playing for Arsenal during the vaccine-pass era.
Xhaka issued a statement on September 21 saying he had felt “deep mistrust of the vaccine” and was experiencing “emotional turmoil” when he chose to obtain a false certificate rather than pursue answers through official channels.
Xhaka was subsequently left out of Switzerland’s squad and Swiss prosecutors opened an investigation into the matter.
REVERRED FOOTBALL IDOL JUST BROUGHT THE SUBJECT OF COVID VAX INJURY TO MILLIONS OF YOUNG FOOTBALL FANS…
There is a great deal of discussion about Covid injections, mandates and vax passes, in the world of football, right now.
Why?
High profile soccer player Grant Xhaka has… pic.twitter.com/gR6ela1DiD
— NZ and the MRNA (@HopeRising19) September 22, 2026
