Premier League player arrested for rape 'can fulfil job commitments' and will not be suspended
Unnamed footballer has denied three allegations of rape, his club has said
The Premier League player arrested on suspicion of rape is not being suspended by his club and has denied the allegations.
The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been bailed until August after he was arrested in North London earlier this month.
While in custody, he was then further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in 2021 against a different woman.
The player’s club said in a statement: “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.”
The club, which also cannot be named for legal reasons, is facing pressure from feminist campaigners to immediately suspend the international footballer.
'Of course the club should suspend him pending investigations'
The campaign group Object, which challenges what it describes as "sex object culture", says the player should be barred from playing while an investigation takes place.
"Of course the club should suspend him pending investigations and make a public announcement to that effect," Object said in a statement. "Without prejudicing any verdict, we know that such cases are often dropped and the likelihood of a conviction is minute and will not happen for years, if at all."
The club has taken a different approach to Manchester United, who earlier this year said that Mason Greenwood would not play “until further notice” following his arrest on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman, and threats to kill. Greenwood remains on bail pending further investigation
Benjamin Mendy, the Manchester City defender who has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of sexual offences against six women, was suspended by his club after being charged by police.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma, who completed a transfer to the club last month, was not suspended by former club Brighton following his arrest alongside another man in October last year. Bissouma has since been cleared of an allegation of sexual assault.