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Man admits attempting to steal from Arsenal pair Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac

Arsenal pair Ozil and Kolasinac were the victims of the attempted crime
Arsenal pair Ozil and Kolasinac were the victims of the attempted crime

A man has admitted attempting to rob Arsenal footballers Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac in July.

Ashley Smith, 30, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal watches from the Gunners duo in Hampstead, north-west London.

Smith, who appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court by video link on Thursday, admitted trying to ambush World Cup winner Ozil, 30, and full-back Kolasinac, 26, in Platts Lane on July 25.

Footage on social media showed Bosnian defender Kolasinac, nicknamed The Tank, chasing off two moped attackers wearing helmets and dark clothing.

Kolasinac was seen fighting off one of the attackers in a video shared on social media
Kolasinac was seen fighting off one of the attackers in a video shared on social media
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on September 21, 2019 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Arsenal pair have been regulars and were targeted in the attack in July. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The club’s £350,000-a-week Germany midfielder Ozil can be seen in his black Mercedes G class jeep before he reportedly took refuge in a Turkish restaurant.

Smith, of Archway, north London, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on November 1 by Judge Sheelagh Canavan.

Ozil and Kolasinac are back playing after missing the start of the Premier League season.

Jordan Northover, 26, has also been charged over the incident and is due to appear before magistrates on Friday.

PA:Media

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