Andros Townsend said being run over by a pitch roller in Thailand was "quite terrifying". The winger explained the incident happened during a training session with his local side.
When and where did the incident occur? In March 2026, while Andros Townsend was training with his Thai club, a pitch roller unexpectedly ran over his foot.
What exactly happened? Townsend explained that a grounds crew member was operating the roller to smooth the turf when it slipped and struck his foot. He felt intense pain and described the experience as "quite terrifying".
Player and official reactions
Townsend expressed concern over safety protocols at smaller clubs, stressing that training sessions should be supervised by qualified staff. He added that the local club provided immediate medical attention and that he underwent examinations to rule out any serious ankle injury.
- Player: Andros Townsend, former Aston Villa winger.
- Location: Training ground in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Date: March 2026.
The Thai Football Association confirmed it will launch an investigation to determine why the roller veered off course and to implement stricter safety measures. The association emphasized the need for proper training of personnel handling heavy equipment.
Meanwhile, Townsend's coach welcomed the swift medical response, assuring that the player will resume training once cleared by doctors. He noted that the incident highlights the importance of safety standards across all levels of football, from elite clubs to grassroots outfits.
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