Andy Carroll given straight red card for off-the-ball incident in non-league club’s season opener

Andy Carroll kicked off Dagenham and Redbridge’s National League South campaign with a straight red card on Saturday.

Carroll, who is assistant manager and a shareholder in the club, along with being a player, was sent off against Dorking Wanderers.

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The ex-Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle striker got himself involved in an off-the-ball clash that led to his marching orders.

The incident happened in the 56th minute of the season opener, with Carroll appearing to react angrily to being dragged down.

Dagenham’s X account posted at the time: “Andy Carroll receives a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident.”

Meanwhile, Dorking’s post added more detail, as they wrote: “Carroll is sent off for a reckless challenge on Annesley. Louie is back on his feet after receiving treatment.”

Tangle in the box

Footage was then shared on social media post-match by a fan who was watching the non-league game from the stands.

Carroll was shown being dragged down to the pitch as a cross was whipped into the box, and he appeared to react to the clash.

He got back up off the ground and stumbled over to Dorking’s Louie Annesley, who had also fallen over in the tangle.

The 37-year-old seemed to touch the back of his opponent’s head, sending him rolling around in pain on the floor.

Carroll then did the same, flopping to the grass in reaction.

Fortunately for him, after his red, Dagenham managed to hold on to their 1-0 lead and win their first game of the season.

‘Andy’s been manhandled’

Dagenham manager Lee Allinson defended Carroll when speaking after his side claimed victory over Dorking.

“If it’s a sending off then great, no problem, but I’m not so sure, I need to look at it back,” Allinson said.

“Andy reckons he’s looked at it, there’s no arms swung, nothing landed.

“But I think it’s easy to come for Andy and look for what he does, but I think he’s been manhandled for 55 minutes.

“Not one free-kick went against him as he’s a big, strong centre-forward.”

Carroll was playing his 13th game for Dagenham since signing for the non-league side in July of last year.

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The former Premier League striker has scored six goals and provided two assists for the club over the last year.

And as mentioned, he is also an assistant manager for the Daggers, holding a minority share in the club too.

He works alongside YouTube star KSI, who became co-owner of the team in March, joining their ownership group.

Just weeks after KSI’s arrival, he actually appointed Carroll as interim boss before going on to bring in Allinson.

Now, Carroll plays as well as helps lead Dagenham, continuing his long playing career that began in 2006 at Newcastle.

Across spells with the Magpies, Liverpool and West Ham, he played 248 Premier League games, scoring 54 goals.