Andy Carroll Reveals 2021 Sexual Assault and Lasting Career Impact

Andy Carroll has disclosed that he was sexually assaulted at his home in 2021, describing the experience as one that affected his life and football career long after the criminal case concluded. The former England striker revealed the incident in his autobiography, Owning It, after previously sharing it with only a small number of people.

What changed for the club

Carroll, now a player and co-owner at National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge, said the assault occurred while he was asleep during his second period with Newcastle United.

The attacker was a friend of Carroll’s former partner and had been staying at the property while she was away. Carroll said he forced the man from the house after the incident, then knocked him unconscious when he tried to get back inside.

The offender was later convicted of sexual offences, received a three-year prison sentence and was added to the sex offender register. Carroll gave evidence during the court proceedings.

He said he had initially struggled with the decision to include the account in his book, only doing so after discussions with his girlfriend, Lou Teasdale.

“I was sexually assaulted,” Carroll wrote. “It is frightening even to think about, and only a few people knew before now.”

Carroll said he hoped speaking publicly could help others who have experienced sexual assault. He added that the trauma had remained with him and influenced every part of his life.

Competition context

The 37-year-old played for Newcastle United, Liverpool and West Ham United during a senior career that also included appearances for England. He returned to Newcastle for a second spell in 2021, the year in which the assault took place.

Carroll said the impact made it difficult to concentrate, including on football, and that he thought about what happened every day.

• Carroll testified at the attacker’s trial.
• He described the court experience as humiliating, embarrassing and extremely difficult.
• He said the experience had shaped him alongside the positive events of his career and life.

What is scheduled next

Carroll’s immediate football role remains with Dagenham & Redbridge, where he combines playing duties with co-ownership. No further legal action is pending in relation to the case, with the attacker having been convicted and jailed.

In explaining his decision to publish the account, Carroll said that if his disclosure helps even one person, then speaking about it will have been worthwhile.