Arsenal aces Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac are under 24-hour guard after getting caught up in North London gang war
Posted Sunday, August 11, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk
ARSENAL aces Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac are under 24-hour guard in a gang war.
An East European mob has stepped in after North London thugs tried to steal the aces' watches in a moped raid.
Arsenal ace Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
Kolasinac appeared to throw a left hook at the armed thugCredit: The Sun
But the yobs will not be intimidated and two men were arrested at Ozil's home this week — as Kolasinac's terrified wife fled to Germany.
The villains have warned the pair: "We'll rob you of everything."
Unknown to the players, East European goons put out word that such attacks on them would not be tolerated.
A source said: "Word came back from the other gangsters that they would not be intimidated.
"To show they were serious, the thugs issued more threats to the Arsenal players and refused to be cowed.
"It was thought that originally the robbers wanted their watches but now they have been told that they want everything the pair have."
'SECURITY INCIDENTS'
Two men were arrested after turning up to Ozil's £9million home near Hampstead Heath to confront him.
Kolasinac's wife Bella is so frightened she has fled to Germany — vowing never to return.
And the club said both players were being left out of today's match at Newcastle because of "security incidents".
The pair, who are best pals, are now under 24-hour guard while police investigate.
Their nightmare began last month when they were targeted as they drove through North London in German World Cup winner Ozil's £100,000 Mercedes G Wagon car.
The two players are best friends off the pitchCredit: AP:Associated Press
Originally the moped gang tried to steal the players watches but Kolasinac (pictured) fought back
Mesut Ozil speaks with police after seeking refuge in a Turkish restaurantCredit: Sun Online
Childhood pals Ozil (right) with wife Amine (far left) at Kolasinac's wedding to Bella in JuneCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia
CCTV footage showed Bosnian international Kolasinac, who was born in Germany, leap from the vehicle and bravely chase off their knife-wielding attackers.
Eastern European gangsters then took it upon themselves to step in.
The source said: "Kolasinac has lots of friends in North London and the players are very popular.
"The attempted robbery was so brazen that it shocked a lot of people."
But the backlash by the London gang saw cops called just before 11pm on Thursday to the house Ozil shares with 26-year-old wife Amine Gulse.
He married the former Miss Turkey in June, just a week before Kolasinac wed.
PLAYERS' WELFARE IS 'TOP PRIORITY'
Thursday's confrontation with security staff led to two men being held on suspected public order offences.
Incidents are also said to have taken place outside Kolasinac's £8million home.
And there are also claims that the families of Ozil, 30, and Kolasinac, 26, have been targeted online.
Arsenal said in a statement: "Mesut Özil and Sead Kolasinac will not be part of the squad for our opening match against Newcastle United following further security incidents, which are being investigated by the police.
"The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives.
"We are liaising with police and are providing the players and their families with support. We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible."
Two men aged 27 have been charged under the Public Order Act.
Ferhat Ercan, of Highgate, and Salaman Ekinci, of Tottenham, are due to appear at Highbury Corner magistrates' court on September 6.
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