Former England youngster Nile Ranger has claimed Kyle Walker was forced to intervene after he punched Andros Townsend during a furious altercation while on international duty.
The former Newcastle striker has lifted the lid on the extraordinary alleged confrontation, which he says occurred when the pair were representing England at Under-19 level in Ukraine.
Ranger claims the incident eventually became physical after tensions between himself and Townsend had been simmering since the previous evening.
Speaking on the Undr the Cosh podcast, the 35-year-old claimed he confronted Townsend before throwing a punch, with several of their young England team-mates then attempting to separate them.
“I can see Andros there, I’m on to Andros, and I’ve just crashed him,” Ranger said, accompanying his recollection with a punching gesture.
“His head hits the bin and man are trying to stop me, Kyle Walker trying to stop me, but the rage inside is just going mad, going berserk.”
According to Ranger, the extraordinary dispute had begun in the room he was sharing with Townsend during the trip.
Townsend was struggling for minutes but was continuing to prepare himself for an opportunity by stretching in the evening.
Former England youngster Nile Ranger has claimed Kyle Walker was forced to intervene after he punched Andros Townsend during a furious altercation while on international duty
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Ranger, who had played but admitted he had not performed particularly well, says he encouraged his room-mate to switch off and wait for his chance.
Townsend allegedly responded by criticising Ranger’s performance.
“He’s like, ‘You what? Did you see how you played today? You had a stinker, I don’t want to play like that. I’ve got to make sure I’m stretched out and ready’,” Ranger recalled.
The situation became significantly more heated the following day.
Nile Ranger and Andros Townsend were once team-mates at youth level for England
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Ranger says Townsend spat into his pasta while the England squad were eating together, prompting disbelief among those around them.
“I’m looking around at players and being like – are you witnessing this as well?” he said. “This is crazy antics right now.”
It was after that incident that Ranger says the pair headed upstairs and their confrontation turned physical.
They were eventually separated and Townsend returned to his room.
However, Ranger claims the pair later reconciled, with Townsend apologising and explaining that his frustration over not playing had contributed to his behaviour.
Ranger said he could understand the emotions involved, comparing them to the difficulties footballers can experience when they are injured or believe they deserve more opportunities.
The striker was once considered one of Newcastle’s most exciting academy products and his performances earned him recognition with England Under-19s.
He scored six times in 11 appearances for the Young Lions but never progressed to the senior national team.
Nile Ranger is currently a free agent
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Ranger’s considerable potential was ultimately accompanied by a succession of problems away from the pitch.
He spent time in a young offenders’ institution following an armed robbery as a teenager and later experienced several disciplinary and legal issues during his professional career.
Newcastle released him in 2013 before spells with Swindon Town, Blackpool and Southend United.
Ranger has since represented several non-league clubs.
His most recent spell came with Chatham Town, where he scored six goals in 14 appearances before leaving at the end of last season.
Ranger is now a free agent as he considers the next move in his career.
