James McArthur’s FA Cup medal stolen in burglary

Wedding rings for his upcoming wedding were also stolen in the raid. Picture: PA

The Scottish international said he was “devastated” to find robbers had taken the treasured memento of the greatest day of his career at Wembley.

And just days before he is due to be married the raiders also got away with the rings he had bought for himself and his fiancée.

The raid took place while the Wigan Athletic midfielder was recovering at the end of a long and disappointing season.

The raiders took the FA Cup winners’ medal he picked up after Wigan Athletic side’s giantkilling victory over Manchester City in May last year.

And they also made off with several pieces of jewellery including two wedding rings during the burglary at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester last week.

The burglary is another blow for McArthur after his team missed out on a return to the Premier League after being knocked out of the play-offs.

And he was “gutted” to miss out on representing Scotland in Wednesday night’s friendly against Nigeria after he picked up a calf strain in the play-off second leg at QPR.

But those setbacks were put into perspective after he learned of the break-in at his home while he was away.

Glasgow-born James 26, said “I am devastated about the burglary at my home. My cup final winners’ medal has been stolen as well as my wedding rings.

“I am due to get married in the near future and this is an awful thing to happen to us before the wedding.

If anybody has any information as to where my property is and can help the police return it to me, I would be very grateful”

Thieves targeted his house between Tuesday 20 May and Monday 26 May 2014, after they broke in and searched the house.

They stole personal items including two wedding rings and an FA Cup medal James won when his team beat Manchester City in the final at Wembley in 2013.

McArthur started his career at Hamilton Academical and was part of the team that won the 2007–08 Scottish First Division title.

He made over 190 appearances for Hamilton before joining Wigan in July 2010 for £500,000. He has recently been linked with several Premier League clubs.

Detective Constable Kevin Telford said: “Understandably, Mr McArthur and his family are devastated someone has broken into their private property and stolen their possessions.

“Not only has an FA Cup medal been stolen but two rings that were going to be used in Mr McArthur’s wedding have been taken,” he said.

“They are of huge sentimental value to them and while the rings can be replaced, the medal is something that cannot.

“It is unlikely the offenders will keep hold of the medal and may try to sell it on. Obviously, it is unusual for such an item to come on the market so I would ask anyone who is offered the medal or who has any information as to where the items are, to contact police.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7259 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.