Premier League player arrested on rape charges will not be suspended by club

The Premier League player last week arrested on three counts of rape will not be suspended by his club and is free to take a full part in their pre-season preparations while on bail.

The player, who is in his late 20s but cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at his home in North London in the early hours of July 4 after a complaint of rape was made by a woman in her 20s.

He was then further arrested on two more counts relating to another alleged victim before being released on bail until a date in August while police continue their investigation. He denies the allegations.

"We are aware of the allegations which are currently the subject of a police investigation," the club said in a statement, first reported by The Athletic.

"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."

The player's initial arrest was in connection with an alleged rape that occurred in June. The other two incidents were alleged to have been committed between April and June of 2021.

The club last week refused to comment on reports that it had been aware of an allegation against the player last autumn.

In a statement confirming the status of their investigation last week, the Metropolitan Police said: "On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police. It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.

"While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s. He has subsequently been released on bail to a date in August. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing."

The Premier League season gets underway on 5 August and the player had also been expected to represent his country at the World Cup in Qatar this winter.