Footballer's wife disturbs theft

Khizanishvili was in Sunderland when the raid took place

The wife of Blackburn Rovers footballer Zurab Khizanishvili confronted burglars at their home in Greater Manchester.

The 27-year-old defender, from Georgia, is the latest in a line of Premier League players to be targeted by thieves while playing in matches.

Thieves smashed their way into his home in Worsley, Salford, on Wednesday night as Rovers took on Sunderland in the Carling Cup.

But they fled empty-handed after being confronted by the player's wife.

Greater Manchester Police said they were informed of the burglary on Thursday.

No injuries

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "The offenders threw a brick at the back door, smashing the glass, but were disturbed by the occupant who was in the house with her children.

"The offenders then fled. No-one was injured and inquiries are continuing."

The raid follows a burglary at the home of Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, who was at Anfield for a Champions League tie when thieves struck at his home in Woolton, Liverpool.

Three people have been charged in connection with the incident.

Other footballers targeted in the north west of England include Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Cristiano Ronaldo.