Stunning development after star's home robbed during match
Paris Saint Germain will boost security around its players' home after the terrifying incident, which saw Angel Di Maria leave the game after learning his house had been broken into with his family inside.
Burglars broke into the former Real Madrid star's home in the high-end suburb of Neuilly-Sur-Seine on Sunday, which resulted in Di Maria running off the field.
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The bizarre scenes unfolded after PSG sporting director Leonardo leaned over from the stands to have a word with coach Mauricio Pochettino.
After a brief discussion, Pochettino then substituted Di Maria, before they both disappeared down the tunnel.
The PSG coach later emerged, but there was so sign of the player - sparking confusion for those watching it unfold.
Reports later described the robbery as being "very violent" by French outlet RMC, and it took place while Di Maria's family were still inside the house.
Around the same time, another group of intruders broke into the home of PSG captain Marquinhos' father, the Versailles prosecutor's office confirmed.
In response, PSG said it had decided to temporarily reinforce security near the houses of all its players.
Leonardo leans over to speak to Pochettino. Leonardo gets on his phone, Pochettino then brings Di Maria off & both disappear down the tunnel only for Poch to reappear shortly after
A very strange moment https://t.co/FnCSn2OXOS pic.twitter.com/hMjTPEztXd— Tom Scholes (@_TomScholes) March 14, 2021
Breaking | PSG confirm that Angel di Maria's family were inside his house when it was being robbed tonight. (RMC)
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 14, 2021
French police investigating string of robberies
A special unit of the police force, which was also investigating similar cases linked to PSG players Mauro Icardi and Sergio Rico, will now investigate the latest cases.
The thieves who broke into Di Maria's house stole watches and jewellery worth more than 500,000 euros ($A770,000), according to L'Equipe newspaper.
Le Parisen newspaper said Marquinhos' father was briefly detained while thieves searched the house in the town of Chatou and robbed luxury bags, jewellery, other items and 2000 euros ($A3000) in cash.
The newspaper said two teenagers were in the house and that the three victims were locked in a room. According to L'Equipe, Marquinhos's father was hit several times in the face and chest.
Quoting the police, Le Parisien said the thieves mistakenly targeted the home of Marquinhos' father thinking it was the player's house. They live close to each other.
with AAP
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