With crime on the rise in the area, players are seeking new ways to defend their property from crime groups seeking to plunder precious items. The Daily Mail revealed that some players are even hiring professional fighters to strengthen their security.
An anonymous security consultant told the newspaper that, “one massive club with several players in the Cheshire area has boosted security.”
They continued to explain: “[The players] have now drafted in a couple of former MMA fighters to bodyguard the players and their families.
“One of the lads does the close protection work while the other is a house sitter. That means he stay in the house when the player is away with the club.”
The source said that the gangs often committed the crimes when the players are travelling for fixtures in European competition. The MMA fighters have been hired to look after players and their families, both in their homes and out.
“They look after the players and their families when they are out on the street when things can happen. If a young player wants to go to nightclub, they will take them and make sure nothing happens,” the consultant added.