Andy Carroll breaks his silence and reports abuse

The former English international Andy Carroll, once a former star of Liverpool FC, reveals in his new autobiography that he was sexually abused at home in 2021 by a prominent man; the perpetrator was later sentenced to three years in prison and he speaks openly about the humiliating experience.

Details of the assault

The assault took place at night while Carroll was sleeping. A friend of his then‑traveling partner stayed over to watch a boxing match. When the man returned, Carroll threw him out of the house and knocked him unconscious.

In court he described the experience as “humiliating, embarrassing and absolutely terrible”. He emphasized that to this day only a few knew about it. The perpetrator later received three years in prison.

In his book “Owning it” the 37‑year‑old writes that he only recorded the incident at the last minute, after consulting with his girlfriend Lou Teasdale. “I was sexually abused – now I have said it. It is frightening to even think about it, and until now only a few people knew about it,” the book says.

Carroll says the experience has affected every aspect of his life and that he has to think about it daily, which makes it difficult for him to focus on anything else – even on football. The trauma has not yet disappeared.

The nine‑time international played for Newcastle United, Liverpool FC and West Ham United. In the Premier League he made 248 appearances, scored 54 goals and provided 29 assists. For the Three Lions he earned two goals in nine caps.

Since July 2025 Carroll has been a player and co‑owner of the amateur club Dagenham & Redbridge, which plays in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football.