Reason why Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not travel to Newcastle for Arsenal’s EPL opener

Reports say that both players have been left in serious fear [Courtesy]

Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not travel to Newcastle after receiving terrifying threats in the wake of their carjacking incident.

Mirror Sport understands that both players have been left in serious fear for their safety after late-night incidents near their homes in North London.

It comes two weeks after Kolasinac bravely fought off a knife-wielding gang in North London as they tried to carjack Ozil’s £100,000 Mercedes jeep while his wife looked on.

Arsenal have been keen to treat the matter sensitively and both players were given time off afterwards but this latest development comes after reports of new threats emerged

Ozil and Kolasinac did not train on Friday ahead of the trip to Newcastle after receiving further threats and both have been left traumatised and in shock by the incidents.

Other Arsenal players were told Ozil and Kolasinac were given time off because of ongoing security fears.

It is clear the perpetrators know where the players live, they are now worried for their own safety and that of their families and suspicious activity has been reported late at night.

A source admitted that the players have been left “spooked” and deeply concerned while it will now be investigated whether it has been done by individuals or a gang.

Both have also been subjected to vile online threats.

Arsenal took the decision themselves and are now liaising with police who told Mirror Sport they are awaiting formal reports from either the club or the players and could not comment further.

But it would have been obvious to the public that Ozil and Kolasinac were in Newcastle had they travelled and that left Arsenal concerned for the families and friends of the players.

Arsenal have taken their own security advice and took the decision not to let the players fly to Newcastle on Saturday ahead of the game.

Arsenal last night issued a statement: “Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not be part of the squad for our opening match against Newcastle United following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police.

“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. 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. We will not be making any further comment on the matter.”