Flintoff, Lineker in Taliban attack
England cricket star Andrew Flintoff and football legend Gary Lineker
dove for cover when Taliban insurgents attacked a British military base
in Afghanistan, they were quoted as saying Monday.
The sports stars were at Kandahar air base to hand out Pride of
Britain awards for the Daily Mirror when they got a taste of incoming
rocket fire at Kandahar air base, they told the London tabloid.
“I thought it was a wind-up but then I saw everyone dive to the
floor. It was scary,” said Flintoff, 31.
On crutches following knee surgery, the Lancashire all-rounder had to
join service personnel in scrambling for cover under the dining room
tables.
“I’ve seen things over the past few days that will live with me
forever,” the former England captain said. “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.”
After the rocket attack alarm was sounded, the all clear was given 30
seconds later. Former Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham striker Lineker
had a second scare when a military plane he was travelling in lost one
of its four engines and had to return to base.
“I expected it to be tough but I didn’t expect the environment I’ve
discovered,” said the 48-year-old former England captain.
“The other thing that strikes you is the age of some of them on the
front line.
LONDON, Tuesday, AFP
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