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Gary Lineker and Andrew Flintoff in Taliban attack
05.10.09
Sports legends Andrew Flintoff and Gary Lineker were caught up in a Taliban attack as they made a troop visit in Afghanistan, it emerged today.
The cricket hero and TV presenter were in a forces dining room when an alarm warned of rocket fire - sending them and the other soldiers diving for cover.
The pair were at Kandahar air base to hand out an award for the Mirror Pride of Britain awards, the ceremony for which takes place tonight.
Ashes winner Flintoff, 31, who was using crutches after knee surgery, told the paper of the attack drama: "I thought it was a wind-up but then I saw everyone dive to the floor. It was scary."
Recently-married Lineker, 48, added: "Hearing that alarm really brought home what's going on. You take your hat off to these guys here."
They handed the Pride of Britain award to Army medic Cpl Holly Percival, 24, on behalf of staff at Camp Bastion - the main UK forces base in the country.
Four medics from her regiment have been flown home with serious injuries after tending to troops in the field.
Recalling some of the people she has treated, Cpl Percival, from Watford, said: "One guy lost a leg and others had blast injuries, gunshot wounds, heat injuries and broken legs and I was having to treat them while being shot at.
"I remember lying on the desert floor and a bullet went past my ear. I thought I was going to die."
Flintoff and Lineker chatted to troops and tried out some of their equipment during their visit.
After the rocket attack alarm was sounded, the all clear was given 30 seconds later.
Lineker said of the trip: "I expected it to be tough but I didn't expect the environment I've discovered."
Flintoff added: "It's been humbling and has put my life into perspective. I play cricket for my country - but then you come here and meet people of 18 fighting for their country."
Reader views (3)
Well done Gary and Andrew for backing the troops. Tony Blair sent everyone else's children to the front line, while his enjoy the luxuries provided by their parents greed.
- Beatriz, London
Send a few fast ones down the wicket to the Taliban Flinty! Gary could always offer a bag of salt and vinegar. Well done the pair of you to give the lads our lassies a cheer up.
- Albert Hall, hove england
Yes war is never easy, and never ever very nice at all.
If politicians had to fight wars themselves, no war would ever start.
Back up our troops with the full force of the UK, manpower and money; or get out and now.
Well done Garry and Andrew; spread the word of what you have seen, witnessed, and experienced, people will listen to you both, in preference to Blair and Brown.
- Mickinlondon, london
