Thierno Barry's home burgled during Everton's Carabao Cup win as partner issues distressing statement

Thierno Barry’s home was burgled while the Everton forward was on the pitch helping his side to a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday evening. His partner, Charlene, confirmed the break-in in a statement posted to social media shortly after the match.

“Unfortunately, our home was burgled this evening while we were at the football match,” Charlene wrote. “Thankfully, nobody was home at the time, but this is still an extremely distressing and violating experience for us and our family. If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious, or has any information that could help, we would be incredibly grateful if you could get in touch. We are also willing to offer a financial reward for any information that helps identify those responsible.”

The incident is the third of its kind to strike a Premier League player this month. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White also had his family home targeted in a break-in earlier this week. His partner, Britney De Villiers, issued a public warning on social media, urging people to remain vigilant. “It’s incredibly unsettling knowing that homes are being targeted,” she wrote. “Please be extra vigilant, make sure your security systems are on whether you’re in the house or not and report anything suspicious. It’s a horrible feeling knowing someone has violated your home, especially when you have young children.”

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was the first high-profile victim this month, with his Cheshire home ransacked by masked intruders during United’s 4-1 Premier League defeat to Como on 21 October. Cheshire Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in the Alderley Park area of Nether Alderley at around 8.30pm that evening after reports of suspicious activity. “Officers discovered that there had been a burglary at the address and a number of items had been stolen,” a force spokesperson said.

The pattern of burglaries timed to coincide with matches — when players and their families are known to be away from home — has raised serious concerns about the security of professional footballers’ properties. Barry’s home was targeted on the same evening Everton sealed their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with James Garner opening the scoring after 34 minutes before the Toffees pulled clear in the second half.