A Premier League player was reportedly threatened at gunpoint by a football agent, who has since been arrested on suspicion of causing fear of violence and blackmail but released on bail.
A prominent Premier League footballer, reportedly valued at around £60 million, was allegedly threatened at gunpoint by a high-profile football agent on a busy London street, according to reports from GiveMeSport citing The Sun.
The incident, which occurred at 11:14 pm on September 6, has sent shockwaves through the football community and left the young player, who is in his 20s, severely “shaken up.”
The unnamed player and his friend managed to escape the scene unharmed and immediately reported the attack. The Metropolitan Police subsequently launched an investigation.
Two days after the terrifying encounter, police arrested the suspect, a 31-year-old agent who represents an England international, at his £2 million home in Hertfordshire.
He was detained on suspicion of brandishing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The agent is also being investigated for allegedly blackmailing and making threats against the footballer’s friend.
Although the agent was granted bail on September 9 and is yet to be charged with any offense, police have imposed strict conditions. He is forbidden from contacting the footballer and banned from travelling to the player’s club training ground.
A source close to the situation emphasised the gravity of the event. “This was a terrifying incident and one which has sent shockwaves through the business side of football.
The player was understandably shaken up – to have threats made against you with a gun is shocking. He reported it right away. It was the right thing to do for his safety,” the source revealed.
The player’s club and friends are providing support, hoping the trauma will not affect his professional life. The source added: “He has been supported by his friends and club, and they all hope it will not impact his performances.
But there will be serious questions about why this happened, which the police are now trying to answer.” The Metropolitan Police continue their extensive investigation into the matter.