February 22, 1916
An inquest was held yesterday concerning the death of Robert William Benson, the well-known international footballer, who died on Saturday afternoon after playing in part of the match at Highbury between the Arsenal and Reading.
Evidence was given to the effect that Benson, who had previously enjoyed good health, had been employed on munition work during the week, and had attended the ground as a spectator, but volunteered to play as his old club had a weak team.
The medical evidence went to show that death was due to hemorrhage into the pleural cavity, causing the rupture of an aneurism of a small branch of the aorts. There was no doubt that the rupture took place whilst on the field playing.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. Mr. Peters, on behalf of the club, expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives in their loss.
(Source: Nottingham Evening Post: February 23, 1916)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 