Two teenage footballers were arrested in a police raid outside a Premier League stadium late at night on Monday. Both footballers are aged 19 and were arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
According to sources, one footballer was let go after a brief questioning while the other spent a night in the cell. The other footballers were then arrested the following day.
While the first footballer was arrested on suspicion of rape, the other was arrested on suspicion of assault.
Police sources said that the alleged incident took place on Friday night. Currently, both the players are out on bail, and the authorities are initiating the investigation into the case.
Speaking to the media, 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.”
The club has also said it has started an official inquiry into the matter. Any actions on the players from the club’s side will only be taken after this inquiry is concluded.
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The authorities further added that the victim has contacted them and is ready to participate in the investigation.
The incident is the latest in a string of sexual assault cases that has plagued the English league.
The most infamous was that of Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood who was suspended for the rape and assault of his ex-girlfriend. Greenwood was outed when his ex-girlfriend posted stories on her Instagram showing signs of abuse on her body, along with distressing audio of Greenwood coercing her.
After a nine-month-long investigation by the Greater Manchester Police, all charges were dropped against Greenwood. The spokesperson for the police said, “”In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case””.
Greenwood is currently playing for Getafe in the La Liga.
