Arsenal stars’ families in fear of gang attacks
Ozil and Kolasinac get time to reassure loved ones
MESUT OZIL and Sead Kolasinac will be given as much time as they need with their families, with no clear indication of when they will resume playing after they were forced to withdraw from today’s fixture with Newcastle.
The pair reported threatening behaviour last week close to their respective homes, which came in the wake of an attempted carjacking in north London when Kolasinac confronted a man armed with a knife last month.
Police have been informed and are liaising with the club and the players. Arsenal security staff had already been detailed to provide extra support after the attack and were able to intervene in the latest incidents.
But the situation has understandably alarmed the players and their families.
The players will be given as much time as possible in order to reassure the families while the police investigate and attempt to resolve the situation. It is an unwelcome issue for manager Unai Emery as Arsenal start their campaign today but it was clearly inappropriate for the players to be separated from their families and stay in Newcastle last night while police were investigating the threat.
‘The welfare of our players and their families i s always a top priority,’ said Arsenal in a statement. ‘We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.’
It is increasingly common for Premier League footballers to be targeted by criminal gangs, forcing them to take extensive security measures. Many employ security guards with guard dogs. Angel di Maria’s house was attacked by a gang in 2015, who tried to smash their way in while he, his wife and daughter were inside.
It contributed to the Di Maria family wanting to leave Manchester United and join Paris SaintGerman the following year.
Newcastle’s Andy Carroll said he feared for his life when he was carjacked by a motorcyclist, who demanded he hand over a £22,000 watch. A man was jailed for 11 years in 2017 for attempted robbery.
In 2017, criminals attempted to break into the homes of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Dejan Lovren while they were playing in the Champions League. Roberto Firmino’s home was broken into in 2016.