Premier League stars 'hiring former SAS soldiers to protect families at home while they play' over organised crime fears

Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

PREMIER LEAGUE footballers are hiring former SAS soldiers to protect their families at home while they play, according to reports.

And clubs in the North West have created a discussion group to share information amid organised crime fears.

Premier League stars 'hiring former SAS soldiers to protect families at home while they play' over organised crime fears
Victor and Maja Lindelof's home was targeted by thieves while he played for Man Utd

Premier League stars 'hiring former SAS soldiers to protect families at home while they play' over organised crime fears
Players have started employing former SAS soldiers to provide protection while they are awayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

A spate of attacks on footballers' homes has rocked the region in recent weeks with Victor Lindelof and Joao Cancelo targeted.

Now players are responding by paying specialists to provide security 'presence' - including ex-military personnel as well as private external firms and club security staff.

An official told the Daily Mail: "It's not a new issue.

"But it is something that has intensified recently.

"A lot more of the players are bringing in trained dogs but in some cases they want a physical, human presence in the house and so they are turning to a lot of firms who use guys who are ex-Special Forces."

The Mail report adds clubs are becoming reluctant to share travel information with the media, are informing new signings of the ongoing issue and have their own staff performing checks on players' houses.

It is understood the luxury Hale region of South Manchester is a particular concern with gangs making the most of its close proximity to the M56.

Lindelof's house was raided last week while he featured for Manchester United at Brentford.

His wife Maja revealed how she and their two young children locked themselves in a room as thugs ransacked their Manchester home.

That traumatic experience followed the horror attack on Manchester City full-back Cancelo in late December.

The defender shared a snap of his battered face after he was 'assaulted by four cowards' as he protected his family in their home.

Cancelo suggested he attempted to fight back - claiming he 'showed resistance' - as the thugs threatened partner Daniela Machado and daughter Alicia, two, before escaping with jewellery.

The likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Fabinho, Sadio Mane and Robin Olsen have been targeted on Merseyside while Reece James' Surrey mansion was raided while the Chelsea ace was playing in Russia.

Abroad, Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema this weekend are among the latest victims in France and Spain.