Andy Carroll Reveals Sexual Assault in Autobiography, Opens Up About 2021 Incident

Striker Goes Public with Assault Details

Former England international Andy Carroll has disclosed that he was sexually assaulted in 2021 while playing for Newcastle United during his second spell at the club. The 37-year-old, who earned nine caps for the national team, revealed the incident in his autobiography titled "Owning it," making public details that were previously known to only a small circle. The assault occurred at his home and resulted in the perpetrator receiving a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexual offences and subsequently placed on the sex offender register.

Carroll, who built a notable Premier League career with stints at Liverpool and West Ham before joining non-league Dagenham & Redbridge as a player and co-owner, had initially been granted anonymity as a sexual assault victim. However, he chose to break that confidentiality by including the incident in his book. The decision came late in the publishing process and followed extensive discussions with his girlfriend Lou Teasdale, whom he credited with supporting him through the disclosure.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The assault occurred when a friend of Carroll's former partner, who was away at the time, came to his home to watch a boxing match. According to Carroll's account, the incident happened while he was asleep. He responded by removing the man from the house and striking him unconscious when the attacker attempted to return. Carroll immediately contacted police and was found by his children's nanny in a distressed state.

Testifying in court against his attacker proved psychologically challenging for Carroll, who described the legal process as humiliating, embarrassing, and deeply traumatic. The trauma extended far beyond the immediate aftermath, affecting multiple areas of his life. Carroll acknowledged that the assault consumed his thoughts daily, making concentration on football and other activities extremely difficult.

A Catalyst for Speaking Out

In his autobiography, Carroll explained his rationale for breaking his silence. He acknowledged the fear associated with publicly discussing the assault for the first time, noting that it required considerable courage to include such personal material. He emphasized that while the experience was undeniably damaging, it has become integral to shaping who he is as a person, alongside positive experiences.

Carroll's primary motivation for discussing the incident publicly centers on potential benefit to others. He expressed hope that his willingness to share such a vulnerable experience might help at least one person facing similar circumstances. He also noted the lasting nature of his trauma, stating that while time has passed, the psychological impact has not disappeared entirely.

Current Status and Career

Carroll joined Dagenham & Redbridge in July 2025 in a dual role as both player and co-owner at the non-league level. As of the time of publication, he had made six appearances for the club competing in the National League South. This represents a significant career shift from his earlier days playing in top-flight English football, though it keeps him involved in professional football while allowing him greater operational involvement through his ownership stake.

His disclosure serves as a notable moment in sports culture, where high-profile male athletes remain relatively rare in publicly discussing experiences of sexual assault and the psychological toll such trauma carries.