Premier League star arrested on suspicion of rape will continue to play for club

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A Premier League player who was arrested on suspicion of rape will continue to be in contention for first-team selection, it has been confirmed.

Until further notice, the player who is on bail until October 4 will be able to play Premier League football while investigations take place. The Metropolitan Police have already confirmed that they would not be taking action regarding an alleged offence in June 2021, but two further allegations are still being investigated.

The player continues to deny the allegations, and will remain available for selection following a stance reiterated on Friday. "As stated previously, we have confirmed that the player denies the allegations," a statement to The Guardian from the unnamed club read.

"The police have issued a statement saying they are not taking any further action on one of the allegations and the player has had his bail extended pending the outcome of their inquiries. There have been no charges laid and the player can fulfil his professional commitments.

"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 has featured during pre-season, and is ready to start the Premier League which begins in just six days time. However, although for now it's been confirmed that the star is available for selection, he would immediately be suspended by the club if any charges were brought.

The Metropolitan police released an initial statement following the dropped charge: "On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police," the statement said. "It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.

"On 4 July, a 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Barnet on suspicion of rape and taken into custody. 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.

"No further action will be taken in relation to the offence in June 2021 but the investigation into the remaining offences is ongoing. The man was initially bailed until a date in August but his bail has since been extended to a date in early October."

• Premier League
• MET Police

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