Andy Carroll reveals he was sexually assaulted in 2021

Former England striker Andy Carroll has publicly disclosed he was sexually assaulted in 2021 at his home during his second stint with his hometown club Newcastle. The 37-year-old, who has since become a player/co-owner of non-league club Dagenham & Redbridge, included the harrowing detail in his autobiography titled 'Owning it' at the very last minute after discussing it with his girlfriend Lou Teasdale.

According to Carroll, the incident occurred while he was asleep and he promptly ejected the assailant from the house before incapacitating him as he attempted to re-enter. He reported the crime to the police and described the court process as "humiliating and embarrassing and absolutely horrendous". The unnamed attacker was convicted of sexual offenses and placed on the sex offender register.

Carroll's ordeal, which he says affected every aspect of his life, including his football career, left him constantly thinking about the traumatic event. Despite the pain, he felt compelled to share his story to potentially help just one person. Carroll, who has represented England nine times, joined Dagenham in July 2025 and has made six appearances this season in the National League South.