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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Andy Martin

Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was the ‘target of violent extortion threats’

Brian Brobbey in action for Ajax against Twente
Brian Brobbey in action for Ajax against Twente last month. Photograph: Olaf Kraak/EPA

The Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was the target of violent extortion threats involving arson, explosions and a shooting, according to reports in the Netherlands.

Het Parool reports that the attacks on Brobbey came after he allegedly refused to pay €150,000 to an Amsterdam criminal who claimed to have “solved a problem” for him.

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There followed a series of incidents from fireworks that were pushed through his mother-in-law’s letterbox, to an explosive detonated near Brobbey’s car, his sister-in-law’s car set ablaze and a close friend of Brobbey’s, who had reportedly tried to intervene on his behalf, being shot and seriously wounded.

Het Parool claims Brobbey rejected offers of help from the Amsterdam club, insisting he would deal with the coercion himself. The police found no evidence that Brobbey had paid any money to Jeymon A, who was sentenced in November 2024 to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of Brobbey’s friend, firearms offences and drug trafficking.

Brobbey had attracted interest from Premier League clubs but his form dipped dramatically. Last season, the Dutchman scored only four league goals, a stark contrast to 18 the previous campaign, and he could leave Ajax this summer.

Brobbey’s lawyer told Het Parool that his client has declined to comment, while Ajax would not be drawn on players’ private affairs. Lawyers for Jeymon A said there is no evidence their client was involved in the extortion.

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