Former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant suffers leg attack from dog, requiring more than 50 stitches

Jermaine Pennant needed more than 50 stitches after being bitten four times on his right leg by a dog during a walk in north London.

The former Liverpool and Arsenal player, 43, was out with his American Akita, King, when they encountered a German Shepherd, according to The Sun.

The meeting quickly became violent when the other dog attacked King. Pennant stepped in to protect his pet, but was then targeted himself.

“It was really frightening. The other dog attacked King, so I intervened to protect him,” said Pennant.

He said he soon realised the dog was attacking him directly. Pennant fell to the ground as the animal clamped its jaws around his leg for at least five seconds.

Describing the force of the bite, he said he felt “huge pressure” as the attack continued.

King stayed by Pennant

Pennant said King then came to his defence, with the two dogs becoming involved in a fierce struggle. He added that his dog remained beside him until help arrived.

Both dogs were loose when the incident happened. Pennant’s partner, Mimi Montgomery, arranged for him to travel to the emergency department by Uber.

Pennant received treatment in hospital for the four bite wounds to his right leg and remained there from Friday until Saturday. Doctors also told him he might need cosmetic surgery because of one of the larger injuries.

Despite the seriousness of the attack, Pennant decided not to report it to the police.

“This can happen. I’m fine, the dog is fine. Everything is all right,” he said.

Pennant’s Premier League career

Pennant played 231 Premier League matches during his professional career, including 12 appearances for Arsenal and 55 for Liverpool.

He also represented Leeds United, Birmingham City, Portsmouth and Stoke City.

The Englishman ended his playing career in 2018 after spells with several prominent clubs in English football.