Townsend narrowly escapes injury from pitch roller at Thai League match

Townsend, who was preparing for the second half of Prachuap's match, narrowly avoided being struck by the heavy machinery during the interval. The incident occurred while the pitch roller operator was maintaining the playing surface, highlighting an unusual workplace hazard in professional football.

The former Tottenham and Crystal Palace winger has been plying his trade in Thailand's top division this season. While the exact circumstances of how the operator failed to notice Townsend remain unclear, the player was able to move out of harm's way in time.

No injuries were reported from the incident. The match proceeded as scheduled, with Townsend completing his preparation for the second-half action. The incident underscores the sometimes chaotic conditions that can occur in Southeast Asian football operations.

Townsend, capped 13 times for England, has carved out a career in international football before moving to Thailand. His spell in the Thai League represents his latest chapter as a journeyman professional footballer seeking regular playing time.