Andy Carroll sent off in Dagenham and Redbridge's first game of the season as footage of straight red card emerges

Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Andy Carroll had an eventful start to the new season after being sent off in Dagenham and Redbridge's first game.

Carroll, who scored 54 goals in 248 Premier League appearances, is still playing in the National League South at the age of 37.

He joined Dagenham and Redbridge, in July 2025 and is a minority shareholder on top of being the club's assistant manager.

The Daggers kicked off the new campaign against Dorking Wanderers, who hit headlines after achieving twelve promotions in their first 23 seasons to reach the National League.

But the ex England striker had a poor start to the new season after he was sent off in the 56th minute.

On their official X account, the club said that Carroll was giving his marching orders for an "off-the-ball incident".

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Footage circulated online of the incident in question and although unclear, Carroll did appear to be involved in a physical altercation with a Dorking player during a set piece.

The referee did not appear to see the incident as it happened but Carroll, who had a spell as interim boss last season, was sent for an early bath.

The Daggers, who saw YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI purchase a stake in the club in March, were 1-0 up at the time of Carroll's sending off.

Kayden Harrack scored the only goal of the game just three minutes into the new season and the visitors held on with 10 men.

After his red card, Carroll returned in his coaching attire to enjoy the post-match celebrations. He took to Instagram to comment on the dismissal, writing: "First game, First win, First red card of the season. We have a buzz around this team and I love it."

Daggers manager Lee Allinson spoke about Carroll's red card after the game and disagreed with the decision made by the referee.

"If it's a sending off then great, but I'm not so sure it is and I need to look back at it," he told the club's YouTube channel.

"Andy reckons he's looked at it, there's no arm swung and nothing landed.

"But I think it is 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 against him because he's a big strong centre-forward."

Carroll scored six goals in 13 appearances in the National League South last season, having returned to English football following a spell in France playing for both Amiens and Bordeaux.

Prior to that, he had two spells with Reading and West Brom after representing, Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham.

Carroll was the most expensive British footballer of all time in January 2011 when he joined Liverpool for a fee of £35 million.

He made nine appearances for England, scoring twice - including an impressive header in a 3-2 win over Sweden at Euro 2012.