Two Premier League footballers arrested over rape allegation

A general view of a Nike, Premier League match ball during the Premier League match at Kenilworth Road, Luton. Picture date: Saturday April 20, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
By Dan Sheldon
Apr 24, 2024

Two Premier League footballers have been arrested in relation to an allegation of rape.

The two 19-year-olds, who play for the same club, have been released on bail.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape.

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. A second 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

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“Both men have since been released on police bail.”

The players’ club have declined to comment on the police investigation.

It is unclear whether the players in question have been suspended or remain available for selection.

The Sun newspaper first reported the arrests and said the alleged incident took place on Friday night.

All Premier League players receive mandatory sexual consent training following a number of high-profile cases.

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was charged and later cleared of multiple sexual assaults while Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022 before the case was dropped in February of last year.

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Dan Sheldon

Dan Sheldon is a football news reporter for The Athletic, covering Manchester City and Manchester United. He spent four years writing about Southampton FC, two of which were at the Southern Daily Echo. Follow Dan on Twitter @dansheldonsport