Burglars steal Van der Meyde dog

Everton fined Van der Meyde for going out 48 hours before a match

Everton footballer Andy van der Meyde has had his rare breed dog stolen, just days after being fined by his club for going on a night out.

Burglars broke into the 26-year-old's home in Bebington, Wirral, at the weekend, taking his seven-month-old pedigree Dogue de Bordeaux, Mac.

His Ferrari and Mini Cooper cars were also stolen, but later recovered.

Van der Meyde was fined and warned by manager David Moyes last week for going out 48 hours before a match.

The player collapsed at home after the night out in Liverpool city centre.

His partner told paramedics she believed his drink had been spiked and the Dutch international was taken to hospital.

Cars found

Burglars forced open the back door of Van der Meyde's home on Saturday while he was playing a testimonial match at Goodison Park.

His black Mini Cooper was taken, but found on Tuesday morning in West Derby, police said.

The Ferrari had been dumped at the Showcase Cinema on the East Lancs Road only a few hours after it was taken.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "It had a broken windscreen.

"The car was removed and taken for forensic examination.

"Four men, all dressed in black were seen with the car prior to the incident.

"Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the men to contact them."

Van der Meyde's missing dog is the same rare breed as Hooch in the Tom Hanks Turner and Hooch film.