Wayne Rooney Takes Legal Action Over Andy Carroll England Claims

Wayne Rooney has moved to block claims in Andy Carroll’s forthcoming autobiography, with his legal representatives demanding the removal of passages alleging alcohol and cigarette gatherings during England trips.

The dispute concerns Carroll’s new book, Owning It, which is due for release soon. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker writes that Rooney invited England colleagues to his hotel room for drinks and cigarettes while on international duty.

Rooney has flatly denied the account and said the pair barely knew each other beyond their limited time together in the England squad.

“I do not usually respond to untrue stories about me, but I will on this occasion,” Rooney said. “Andy knows we did not really socialise. We happened to meet once on holiday, and that was essentially it. The suggestion that I was drinking while away with England is made up. I have no idea where it has come from and it is disappointing.”

Disputed hotel-room account

Carroll describes alleged hotel-room gatherings in which Rooney was surrounded by cigarette cartons, lager crates and wine supplied through hotel staff. He maintains, however, that nobody became heavily intoxicated.

Rooney’s camp regards the allegations as false and has taken the matter beyond a public denial, sending a strongly worded legal letter to the publishers seeking a full withdrawal of the material.

People close to Rooney say he is furious and believes the claims have gone too far. Carroll’s side, meanwhile, says the forward is confused by the reaction and does not intend to alter his recollection simply because Rooney contests it.

Brief England connection

Rooney and Carroll were England team-mates between 2010 and 2012, though their shared time on the pitch was limited to 64 minutes. They appeared together in matches against Ukraine and Italy.

The disagreement has escalated from an autobiography anecdote into a potential legal fight. Carroll is said not to have anticipated such a forceful response and is now concerned by the fallout.

What happens next depends on the publishers’ decision over the challenged extracts. Carroll could yet be asked to make a public apology in order to prevent an expensive court battle as publication approaches.