Being run over by pitch roller during match warm-up was terrifying, says ex-England star Townsend
Former England footballer Andros Townsend survived a terrifying incident in Thailand where he was run over by a heavy pitch roller during a warm-up. Despite being crushed, he escaped with only minor bumps and bruises and intends to continue his playing career.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the unpredictable safety hazards athletes can face in international leagues and serves as a reminder of the physical risks inherent in professional sports environments.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Andros Townsend moved to Thailand in 2025 when he joined Kanchanaburi Power
Former England winger Andros Townsend has described the moment he was run over by a pitch roller in Thailand as "terrifying".
The 35‑year‑old former Tottenham, Luton and Crystal Palace forward, now with PT Prachuap in Thai League 1, was warming up for a match in Pattani on Saturday when a member of staff appeared to lose control of a heavy pitch roller.
Townsend's left leg briefly got stuck under the vehicle, but he was unhurt. He came off the bench late on in a 3-0 win.
Speaking about the incident for the first time on Piers Morgan's Football Uncensored, Townsend said he was lucky to only escape from under the roller with a few "bumps and bruises".
"Every time I see it, I'm cringing, I'm in disbelief," he said.
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