Andy Carroll faces legal threat from Wayne Rooney over fabrication claims in new book
Wayne Rooney has reportedly taken legal steps against Andy Carroll after disputing allegations in the former England striker’s upcoming autobiography about their time on international duty.
Wayne Rooney has reportedly escalated his dispute with former England teammate Andy Carroll after rejecting allegations contained in Carroll’s upcoming autobiography, Owning It.
The former Manchester United and England captain is said to have instructed lawyers to contact the book’s publisher and demand the withdrawal of claims concerning his behaviour during international camps around 2010 and 2011.
Carroll alleges that Rooney would invite England teammates to his hotel room for drinks and cigarettes, presenting the gatherings as informal occasions to break the routine of international duty.
Rooney has strongly denied the account, insisting that he and Carroll barely socialised and describing the story as fabricated. Reports now suggest the dispute could develop into a legal battle if the disputed material is not withdrawn.
Rooney and Carroll were England teammates during the early 2010s, although their time on the pitch together was limited. Carroll won nine England caps and scored twice, while Rooney finished his international career with 53 goals and 120 appearances.
The controversy comes shortly before Carroll’s autobiography is due to be released and has generated significant attention because of Rooney’s prominent status in English football.
Carroll has not been reported to have formally withdrawn his account, while Rooney’s representatives are said to be seeking a retraction.
The disagreement therefore remains centred on two conflicting versions of events, with no court proceedings confirmed at this stage. If the matter progresses, the publisher could face pressure over the disputed passages, while Carroll could be asked to substantiate his account.
For now, Rooney’s reported legal warning has transformed what began as a recollection in a forthcoming football autobiography into a public dispute between two former England internationals.
