BBC apologise for image of wrong player when reporting Premier League rape story

The BBC have apologised after mistakenly showing an image of the wrong player when reporting the news that a Premier League star arrested on three counts of rape will not be suspended by his club.

During a broadcast at 9:30am, presenter Mike Bushell began to report that the accused player is free to travel with his team when an image of another player appeared in the background. It remained on screen for approximately 10 seconds.

In a bulletin two hours later another presenter, Hugh Ferris, began by apologising for the mistake. "Owing to a technical error, the wrong picture appeared in connection with a story of a Premier League player arrested over alleged sexual offences," he said. "A picture of a different and wholly unconnected player was shown. We apologise for this mistake."

A representative for the wrongly identified player did not comment when contacted by Mirror Football.

The player arrested in North London last week, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been bailed until a date in August while police enquiries continue. He denies the allegations and his club have decided that he is free to participate as normal.

In a statement released yesterday his club, who also cannot be identified, said: "We are aware of the allegations which are currently the subject of a police investigation.

"We have confirmed that the player denies the allegations and is on police bail pending the outcome of their enquiries. There have been no charges laid and the player can fulfil his professional commitments including permitted travel.

"We take our commitments and responsibilities seriously and have followed our safeguarding policies and procedures. We will keep this matter under close consideration and will review further if circumstances change."