Gascoigne has received messages of support from former team-mates and managers in the wake of his detention under the Mental Health Act.

The former England star, one of the most gifted players of his generation, was arrested on Wednesday after it was claimed he acted as a "potential menace" at a luxury hotel.

Gascoigne's exploits for England at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 earned him hero status and his current difficulties have sparked an outpouring of goodwill.

But ex-Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker Collymore, whose high-profile battle with depression elicited as much spite as sympathy, is furious others are not afforded the same luxury.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "This is something that is quite disgusting.

"There have been many, many times in the past four or five years when I really could have done with the help of my football union that I subscribed to for 15 years.

"I just wonder whether it's certain players with a certain profile, who carry favour with the media, who generally get the support."

He added: "There are many players with addictions, bouts of depression, bi-polar disorder - the whole gamut - who are getting absolutely no support.

"The difference with Gazza (is he is a) cheeky chappie, always smiling, lifts the ball over Colin Hendrie's head against Scotland and drives it in the net (in Euro 96), Italia 90.

"All those people who came out today and made comments in support of Gazza, they should support everybody in the football family."

Collymore believes his own plight was ignored by the "football family", including the Professional Footballers Association.

"I struggled with massive bouts of depression to the borderline of being sectioned years ago and being very, very ill," he said.

"Since finishing playing, I've not had one phone call from the PFA and there's been times which have been quite high-profile when I've asked for help or it's been blatantly obvious I've needed help."

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor denied doing nothing to help current and former players who had fallen on hard times.

He revealed he was "in regular contact" with Gascoigne and had been in touch with his family today.

Taylor also refuted Collymore's claims over his own plight, saying: "He must have a short memory. I took the time when he walked out on Aston Villa and in other instances.

"Also, with his media career, I've given him hours of my time."