This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On July 25, a brazen attempted robbery took place in the Hampstead neighborhood of London, targeting none other than Arsenal footballers Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac.
Ashley Smith, 30, of Archway in north London, has now admitted to the crime in a London court, pleading guilty to attempting to steal watches from the duo.
According to reports, Smith appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court by video link to admit the attempted ambush of World Cup winner Ozil, 30, and 26-year-old Kolasinac.
Footage of the incident on social media showed Kolasinac, who joined Arsenal in 2017, chasing off two moped attackers who were wearing helmets and dark clothing.
Ozil, meanwhile, can be seen taking refuge in a Turkish restaurant after reportedly being targeted by the attackers.
Judge Sheelagh Canavan has ordered Smith to be held in custody until he is sentenced at the same court on November 1.
Co-defendant Jordan Northover, 26, is due to appear before magistrates on Friday.
The attempted robbery had sparked concerns about the security of the two players, causing them to miss the start of the English Premier League season. However, they have since returned to playing for Arsenal.
