Ernest Veasey (23) sadly died following injuries received in a match between Aylestone United and All Saints at Aylestone in January 1898. In a most remarkable coincidence the deceased played for the same team – Aylestone United – as John Briggs (20), who three months earlier was fatally injured in a football match, against Enderby Granite. Furthermore, Ernest Veasey played in the match in which Briggs was injured and gave evidence at his inquest. Henry Moore was found guilty of the manslaughter of John Briggs
On 16 October 1897, John Briggs was playing forward for Aylestone. After receiving the ball he dribbled it past Henry Moore, Enderby Granite defender. Moore ran after Briggs, who sent in a hard kick towards the Enderby goal. The goalkeeper ran forward to clear the ball. Just as he kicked More jumped with his knew up against Brigg’s back, which threw him violently forward against the knee of the goalkeeper. Briggs fell to the ground in agony and was taken home to Leicester from Enderby by cart. Medical assistance was called, but he sadly died a week later. Moore was given bail and at Leicester Assizes was convicted of manslaughter. Since the prisoner had exhibited sincere sorrow and was of good character he was discharged on ‘entering into his own recognisances of 50 shillings’. In other words he was discharged and nothing more would be heard of the matter unless he appeared before a court again at which point he would be required to pay the money.
Three months later, Ernest Veasey three minutes after scoring for Aylestone United chased after the ball with Frederick Whitmore who was playing at the back for All Saints. Whitmore kicked the ball at the same time that Veasey got to it. The ball struck Veasey in the face, and Whitmore’s toe at the same time or immediately after struck Veasey in the ribs. Veasey shouted out and clasped both hands and left the field remarking that he had broken one of his ribs. He was taken to the house of Arthur Arnold, secretary of the Aylestone United, walking part of the way and being carried the rest. After tea and brandy he was taken home in a trap, and went to bed where he died sometime before 9.30 pm. Dr Griggs stated at the inquest that Veasey died as a result of shock and hemorrhage consequent upon the laceration of the kidney. A jury returned a verdict of accidental death and gave their fees to the widow, who by the death of the deceased lost ‘all she had to depend on.’