‘Security incidents’ see Ozil, Kolasinac miss Arsenal opener

By: The Associated Press Posted: 11:52 AM CDT Friday, Aug. 9, 2019 Last Modified: 12:46 PM CDT Friday, Aug. 9, 2019

LONDON - Arsenal has left Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac out of the squad for its Premier League season opener because police are investigating "further security incidents" two weeks after the players fought off two knife-wielding men.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/08/2019 (2597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LONDON – Arsenal has left Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac out of the squad for its Premier League season opener because police are investigating “further security incidents” two weeks after the players fought off two knife-wielding men.

In an apparent robbery attempt caught on camera in London, Kolasinac jumped out of a vehicle to confront the masked aggressors, who had pulled alongside the car on mopeds.

Both players were unharmed but did not play in subsequent preseason friendly matches. Arsenal decided that “following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police” they will not be travelling to Newcastle for Sunday’s first match of the season.

FILE - In this Thursday, May 9, 2019 file photo, Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac, right celebrates with Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, left, at the end of the Europa League semifinal soccer match, second leg, between Valencia and Arsenal at the Camp de Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain. Arsenal says Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not be in the squad for its Premier League season opener due to police investigating “security incidents” two weeks after they fought off two knife-wielding men, it was reported on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz, File)

“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,” Arsenal said in a statement Friday.

“We are liaising with the police and are providing the players and their families with ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”