Former England Striker Andy Carroll Reveals Sexual Assault Ordeal
Former England striker Andy Carroll has revealed in his new autobiography that he was sexually assaulted a few years ago, describing the traumatic ordeal and the lengthy legal battle that followed.
Former England striker Andy Carroll has revealed that he was sexually assaulted a few years ago, describing the incident as traumatic and life-altering. The 37-year-old footballer shared the harrowing experience in his new autobiography, titled "Owning It", admitting that he only decided to include the chapter at the very last minute.
"There are other things I would dearly love to forget, but I cannot," Carroll wrote. "Something happened to me a few years ago that was so traumatic that I decided at the very last minute to put it in this book. I was sexually assaulted. There, I’ve said it. It’s terrifying even to think about it, and only a few people knew about it until now."
According to Carroll, the assault took place on the evening after a match he played for Newcastle. A man whom he described as a "famous friend" of his ex-partner had invited himself over to his home to watch a boxing match. After consuming several drinks, Carroll began to feel unwell and dizzy, prompting him to go to sleep early.
He recalled waking up to find the man sexually assaulting him. Carroll stated that he immediately threw the attacker out of his house. When the man attempted to force his way back in, Carroll struck him hard, rendering him unconscious, before calling the police and breaking down in tears in the arms of his children's nanny.
The attacker was subsequently convicted of sex offenses and sentenced to three years in prison, placed on the sex offenders register, and barred from entering the area where Carroll lived. The perpetrator had denied the allegations throughout the legal proceedings.
Carroll described the trial as humiliating, embarrassing, and utterly harrowing. "What happened to me affected every single area of my life. I thought about it every single day, and it made it so hard to focus on anything else, including football. The trauma of what happened to me hasn’t gone away."
He explained that it was only after lengthy discussions with his current partner, Lou Tisdale, that he finally decided to share his story. "Lou and I spent a lot of time debating whether to mention it in the book or not. I dodged the publisher for so long they probably thought I’d bottled it," he wrote.
Carroll, who played for clubs including Newcastle United and Liverpool during his career, now plays for sixth-tier English side Dagenham & Redbridge while also serving as an assistant manager. In his book, he also reflects extensively on his relationship with Tisdale and his complicated history with alcohol throughout his career.
Comparing his lifestyle to that of England captain Harry Kane, Carroll noted the immense dedication required at the elite level. "I am not saying I could have had a career like Harry Kane, but he is a prime example of the kind of career you can build if you live a clean, disciplined life."
Carroll also opened up about the football nightlife culture, admitting his regrets over past behavior and acknowledging how sudden wealth drastically altered his lifestyle during his peak earning years at Newcastle.
