Roma defender Smalling robbed at gunpoint while at home with family

Chris Smalling and his family were robbed at gunpoint in the early hours of Friday morning as armed men entered his home just outside Rome and stole watches, jewellery and cash.

The Roma defender missed his side’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Ajax on Thursday as he was recovering from knee discomfort.

According to Italian news agency Ansa, three men entered the home in the Appia area just outside of the capital after removing a grating from the window of the player’s bedroom.

They then forced him to open the safe at gunpoint, taking away three Rolex watches, jewellery and around 300 euros in cash.

Smalling’s family members were also present during the robbery, with his wife calling the police at around 5am.

The police are now examining video surveillance cameras to shed light on what happened.

Smalling and Roma have not commented but former Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford tweeted his support.