Former England international Andros Townsend has recounted a remarkable incident that unfolded prior to a match in Thailand. During warm-ups, the 35-year-old was literally knocked off his feet by a pitch roller.
Currently plying his trade at PT Prachuap in the Thai league, Townsend's harrowing experience was quickly shared across social media as footage captured the heavy machine rolling over him.
Fortunately, Townsend narrowly escaped serious injury, avoiding fractures and other significant damage.
Reflecting on the incident, he said:
Every time I watch the video, it sends shivers down my spine. I simply can’t believe it happened. It’s terrifying to think about what could have occurred.
Luckily, I managed to fall at the right moment, so nothing was broken when the roller passed over me.
I remember thinking, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this in my career. What on earth are they doing?’ But we were called for warm-ups and I put it out of my mind.
The next time I realised it was when I found myself right underneath it. Thankfully, it was just a few bruises and knocks.
In the moments following the incident, Townsend was convinced he had suffered a severe injury.
He added:
I thought I’d either broken my left ankle or my knee. I honestly thought it was game over for me. I was incredibly lucky; I limped away and managed to regain my composure just a few minutes later.
Immediately after the incident, Townsend even joked on social media:
Turns out a trip to Stoke wasn’t so bad after all.
Remarkably, the player went on to participate in the match, coming off the bench at the end, as PT Prachuap triumphed 3-0 against Pattani.
