Jay Bothroyd Links COVID Vaccine to Heart Surgery, Raises Concerns

Former England striker Jay Bothroyd has described his experience with heart surgery, which occurred six months after he received a COVID-19 vaccine, as "frightening." Bothroyd, now a pundit on Sky Sports, was playing in Japan for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo when the pandemic began.

Speaking on Piers Morgan's "Football Uncensored" podcast, Bothroyd recounted developing an irregular heartbeat and undergoing heart surgery in the final year of his playing career. He stated that the uncertainty surrounding the vaccine at the time, coupled with media reports about COVID-19 and heart conditions, left him feeling scared and unsure of what to believe. "Wrong information from the very top, people from the very top also breaking laws, breaking rules," he commented on the public health messaging at the time. "To tell people they must get a jab, regardless of their beliefs, their faiths and their own research (was) negligent in itself."

Bothroyd's comments come in the context of recent controversy surrounding Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who admitted to obtaining a forged COVID-19 vaccine certificate. Swiss authorities are investigating the matter, which could lead to significant penalties for Xhaka. The footballer stated that he had a "deep distrust" of the vaccine in 2022 and did not use "proper channels" to obtain his certificate, acknowledging it was a mistake for which he takes responsibility.

Xhaka's admission followed reports about the situation, and he has since met with Swiss FA chiefs. He agreed to sit out international matches during the current break while the matter is investigated.