Security stand guard outside Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac’s homes as pair spend day in hiding after gang threats

Posted Monday, August 12, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

ARSENAL stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac spent the day in hiding after being caught up in a gang war - as their team triumphed 1-0 in their season opener against Newcastle.

The pair have been under 24-hour guard since thugs tried to steal their watches in a moped raid last month.

Security were seen outside the London home of Arsenal star Mesut Ozil today

A rival gang of East Europeans responded to the attempt with a bid to ward off further attacks, warning the two were "off limits".

But the local yobs refused to be intimidated, with two men arrested at Ozil’s home on Saturday, and have warned the pair: "We’ll rob you of everything."

Concerns have been raised that the two could get caught in a brewing rivalry between the gangs.

After the intervention by the East European gang, 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."

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT

Ozil tweeted a message of support for his teammates ahead of their clash with Newcastle this afternoon.

"Good luck to my teammates. Come on you Gunners! #YaGunnersYa #M1Ö #NEWARS @Arsenal," he wrote.

Asked about the welfare of Ozil and Kolasinac after the game, Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: "The club is managing that circumstance.

"And we went to be with them as soon as possible.

"And with normality training and with normality to be ready for play."

Asked whether the two would play next weekend he said: "I don't know now."

'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 had been left out of today’s match at Newcastle because of "security incidents".

The pair, who are best pals, remain 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.

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'

A confrontation involving security staff on Thursday 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.