Actor tweets: Carlisle’s going to get away with it - AGAINCarlisle responds: I pray depression never bites

The actor Ralf Little has been heavily criticised after accusing the former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Clarke Carlisle of not telling “the full story” in his interview about a suicide attempt last year.

Carlisle told the Sun that he had intentionally stepped out in front of a lorry in December in an attempt to kill himself, admitting: “I wanted to die.” The former Queens Park Rangers and Blackpool defender spent six weeks in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained following the collision with a lorry on the A64, near York, on 22 December and returned home this week.

But the Royle Family actor Little, who lived with Carlisle for a brief period of time when he played for QPR, took to Twitter on Tuesday night to have his say. “‘Oh dear. Looks like Clarke Carlisle’s going to get away with it - AGAIN. #Teflon #nonstick,” before adding: “Seems people want context about previous tweet. So let me say, I know the full story and it’s not what’s portrayed in the media. That’s all.”

Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) Oh dear. Looks like Clarke Carlisle's going to get away with it - AGAIN. #Teflon #nonstick pic.twitter.com/cVMlcxMCvl

Those comments caused a number of Twitter users to get in touch with Little, accusing him of being insensitive. Carlisle later responded using the Twitter account of his wife, Gemma, and refused to be drawn into a slanging match. “Hi Ralf, it’s Clarke here. I have seen you once in 10 years,and that was to apologise for my repulsive behaviour as a young man,” he wrote.

MrsC (@gemmacarlisle) @RalfLittle Hi Ralf, it's Clarke here. I have seen you once in 10 years,and that was to apologise for my repulsive behaviour as a young man>

“I know you have you’re [sic] right to your opinion, but I’ve got to say, I sincerely hope that you’re not the same person you were 10 years ago, as I very much am not. I hope you are well, happy and enjoying your excellent career. I pray depression never bites x.”

In a TwitLongerpost, Little later said he and Carlisle had “history” which involved “money, lies … and all sorts of other stuff”.

“I don’t feel sad for Clarke any more, I was drained of that some time ago. Of course I wish Clarke a strong recovery – and not just from the crash. It would be a better world if he and all other sufferers of such an insidious disease could find a way to fight the good fight. There comes a point where it’s just frustrating to witness someone constantly hammering the pattern of destruction for those around – and I was once one of those around – only to see the destructive force make a moving and sincere apology … then do it again.”

Meanwhile, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has highlighted the help available to footballers following revelations about Carlisle’s latest battle with depression.

The introduction to the wellbeing section on the PFA website is written by Carlisle, who served as the organisation’s chairman from 2010-13. The PFA details a large network of counsellors, a 24-hour helpline and close links to the Sporting Chance clinic among its initiatives.

Carlisle’s revelations came on the day the PFA was showing its support for the TimetoTalk campaign, which encourages people to speak out about mental health issues.

Taylor, chief executive of the PFA, said: “Mental welfare and depression is something we have been quite concerned about for a number of years now and have acted on it, along with many other sporting organisations.

“This can be something that can affect all people in all walks of life but in sport as well. There have been a number of high-profile cases that everyone will be aware of.

“A booklet has gone out to all our members. We have a 24-hour helpline. We also have the Sporting Chance clinic that looks after players with such conditions and there are a number of mental health charities we support. We have approximately 30 counsellors who are available 24 hours to talk to any of our members, past and present, with such problems.”

Carlisle has said that by speaking out he hopes that others with issues will be encouraged to seek help.

Taylor said: “I think it is for every individual but we hope that by talking about such issues, publicly or privately, people can see there is a strong support network to help them.

“It is only possible to help them when they let people know of the problems, so we can do our best to try to address them with trained counsellors.”

Carlisle has now revealed that he was pulled over by police after a drinking and gambling spree sparked by news he was to lose his job as a pundit with ITV. It was the latest in a series of setbacks including the end of his football career and financial matters. That led to the suicide attempt, which Carlisle has described as his “lowest point”.

Taylor said: “We are very much aware of Clarke’s situation and have been involved in the recuperation process.

“He is in the broadcasting world now but that doesn’t mean to say he is not still subject to such issues.

“If they do arise, then of course he knows that we are here to help address them and try to get him back on track.”

• If you are suffering from depression, the Samaritans helpline on 08457 90 90 90 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.