Former Premier League footballer and pundit Jermaine Pennant was seriously injured in a dog attack and required more than 50 stitches to his leg after intervening to protect his pet.
The 43-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool player was walking his American Akita, King, when a German Shepherd reportedly attacked his dog. Pennant stepped in to protect King but was then attacked himself.
Speaking to The Sun, Pennant described the incident as terrifying. He said the German Shepherd initially attacked King, prompting him to intervene, but the dog then turned on him.
Pennant said he fell to the ground and the attacking dog clamped onto his leg for at least five seconds, causing severe pain and pressure before King intervened.
According to Pennant, King fought with the other dog and stayed by his side until help arrived. He credited his pet with helping save his life during the attack.
Pennant said King’s size was also important in the incident, suggesting that escaping the attack might have been much more difficult had his dog been smaller.