Former Liverpool player needs over 50 stitches after dog attack

Former Premier League footballer Jermaine Pennant, 43, required more than 50 stitches after being mauled by a German Shepherd during a walk in north London ^[1]. The ex-Liverpool and Stoke City winger was protecting his own dog, King, an American Staffordshire Terrier, when the aggressive German Shepherd launched the attack ^[2].

Pennant said the dog latched onto his right leg and refused to let go, leaving him on the ground with no ability to escape ^[1]. He described the moment King intervened: "The minute he did he fought the dog off and saved what could've been a horrendous situation for me".

The incident occurred while both dogs were off the lead, according to Pennant, who said he was walking King when the attack happened ^[2]. He was treated in hospital for four bite wounds and later shared a photo on Instagram showing him bandaged with King by his side, thanking his partner Mimmi Montgomery for caring for them both ^[1].

Pennant said King was unharmed apart from a minor nip, though he was covered in blood from the altercation ^[1]. He described King as his "hero" and referred to him as "a legend" in his post, calling him "man's best friend".

Despite the severity of the attack, Pennant said he chose not to report the incident to police, stating: "It’s just one of those things. I’m fine, the dog’s fine. It’s all good" ^[2].

Dog attacks in the UK have risen sharply, increasing from 16,040 recorded incidents in 2020 to 29,400 last year—a rise of 83%—though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting ^[2].

Pennant, who made 231 Premier League appearances over a 19-year career before retiring in 2018, now works as a pundit for Talksport ^[1]. The story was first reported by BBC News and Daily Star.