A Premier League footballer, expected to represent his country at the World Cup, has been arrested in north London on suspicion of rape.
Months after Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault comes another shocking incident. On Monday, a Premier League star, expected to feature at the Qatar World Cup 2022, was arrested in north London on suspicion of rape.
The player, who is in his late 20s, cannot be identified due to legal constraints. He has received international recognition and is currently being held as he is questioned about an alleged attack that is thought to have happened in June.
The 29-year-old was taken into custody after being arrested in Barnet, as first reported by The Telegraph.
"On July 4, an allegation of rape of a woman in her twenties was reported to police," read an official statement by the Metropolitan Police.
"It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022. On July 4, a 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Barnet on suspicion of rape and taken into custody, where he remains. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing," the statement added.
The player's club is aware that the police are questioning him. They chose not to remark, though. The football player was detained on Monday night after being taken into custody at a London house.
According to The Sun, six police units reportedly came to the player's multi-million dollar gated estate around 3 am while he was asleep.
A woman in her 20s reported the alleged attack and showed police photos of "bruising", accusing the star of raping her while on holiday in the Mediterranean. She went to a police station on Sunday night and gave a thorough statement supporting her allegations.
According to reports, the allegations are being seen with utmost seriousness by the club and bosses are 'stunned about this'. Reports added that the player was due to be on a pre-season tour, and he will now not be travelling with the team.
The Mirror quoted a club insider stating, "The law must be allowed to dictate what happens next. The player's colleagues are absolutely dumbstruck about this. It is a hammer blow to the club, but the police must do their job."
There are ongoing inquiries. Although the athlete cannot be identified because of the charges against him, his arrest has cast doubt on his ability to participate in pre-season practice and his team's future friendlies as authorities look into the severe claims.
On August 5, the Premier League season will begin. The player was also anticipated to represent his nation in the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
Football fans took to Twitter to express their outrage, with several users even trying to guess who the Premier League star could be. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
A Premier League player was arrested for rape on Monday. All that’s known is :
Late 20’s
Going to the World Cup
Lives in North London, Barnet to be precise
Horrible stuff
I see another Premier league footballer has been arrested on suspicion of rape. These self entitled overpaid idiots think their above the law. Well I'll be waiting for his managers resignation, after all we keep getting told the buck stops at the top!
— Louise AKA Adult Human Female. (@Corbelious)So a 29 year old Premier League footballer was arrested in Barnet on suspicion of rape and all I can see is Spurs and Arsenal fans naming 29 year olds in the other ones squad. Very strange behaviour using things like that as a way to try and point score against their rivals.
— James (@LLCoooolJames)Reports going around that a Premier League player was arrested in North London on suspicion of rape.
I don't care what club he plays for. If he's found guilty, he shouldn't so much as kick a ball ever again.
Another Premier League player has been arrested on rape charges, looking like potentially Spurs/Arsenal from the details so far, damn bro.
— Dell 💦 (@agbnufc_)"Premier League footballer aged 29, arrested in Nth London on suspicion of rape". Apparently"can't be named for legal reasons" - WHAT ??
Benjamin Mendy was named so why can't this 'man' be ???
29 year old international footballer who plays in the premier league has been arrested for rape in North London. They were meant to play in the WC this November.
Disgusting, whichever person did this if they did actually do it (innocent until proven guilty) https://t.co/NGH2N2LtWn
A premier league international footballer who is 29 years has been arrested on a suspicion of rape in North London.
God please don’t let it be Thomas Partey, I beg 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Just saw the headlines on the bbc website
29 year old international premier league football player arrested for rape in Barnet
What is wrong with these people? Can’t believe how regularly this is happening now
Premier League rape enquiry. Player arrested at his home in Barnet.
Closest training grounds are Arsenal and Watford right?
Premier league footballers trying to hold the urge to rape someone https://t.co/kCxtUEhHVh pic.twitter.com/QLb1SH9SeO
— Craig 🐻 (@Craig_7401)29 year old premier league star has been arrested for rape and only Thomas Partey’s name came in your mind. Ghanaians and their love for bad news. Smh
— EvAnS Ne-Yo ® (@Evans_NeYo)So a premier league player that’s 29 years old has been arrested on suspicion of rape in north London. Might not be an Arsenal or Tottenham player but these are all the 29 year olds.
Xhaka, Partey, Elneny, Son, Lucas, Ben Davies
A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of rape and there are numerous people on here hoping it’s certain players that they don’t like.
Football Twitter is rancid.
The 29 year old premier league footballer who has been accused of rape, cant be named for legal reasons, meaning innocent until proven guilty, so stop name dropping players you THINK it may be, that is just not fair, just wait the authority's will deal with it.
— Grayham Bonfield (@FPLFOCUS1)“The statement added: "On 4 July, a 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Barnet on suspicion of rape and taken into custody where he remains”
My work as detective is done. pic.twitter.com/a0JMJxN2eq
Ben Davies arrested for rape in north London plays for wales and spurs
— Angel (@angellmao__)