Paul Gascgoine, formerly of England’s national team, is being held under the Mental Health Act after his arrest Wednesday night at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Gascgoine allegedly brandished a knife in the hotel.  Police were alerted to the incident after a report of concern was issued by the hotel regarding a 40-year-old man.

Gascoigne's problems off the field have been well documented in the tabloids, much of them related to heavy drinking and mental health difficulties. 

In his autobiography Gazza: My Story he has admitted to suffering from depression, as well as beating his wife, Sheryl.

In 2006, he underwent surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer, and a year before he was hospitalized for pneumonia.

Middlesbrough manager and former England teammate Gareth Southgate has urged those close to Gascgoine to support him in this time of need. 

"It's a very sad situation.  I am sure he will come through it.  He has shown willing to do that in the past."