Premier League footballer arrested on suspicion of rape will NOT be suspended

The Premier League footballer who was arrested on suspicion of rape will not be suspended by his club, they have said.

The international footballer in his 20s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in north London earlier this month in what was reportedly a dramatic 3am swoop by police.

He was initially being quizzed by police after being arrested in Barnet over an alleged attack on a woman which was said to have taken place last month.

But police then announced he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape in 2021 against a different woman, before being bailed to a date next month.

The two alleged victims are both aged in their 20s.

However his club - who also cannot be named for legal reasons - has announced that they will not be suspending him from football duties because he can still 'fulfil his professional commitments' while police enquiries continue.

In a statement, the club said: '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 stance is in contrast to how Manchester United suspended England forward Mason Greenwood following his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault earlier this year.

The 20-year-old was arrested in January after images and videos were posted online, and he was also questioned on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Greenwood's bail was due to expire in April but Greater Manchester Police made an application to the courts to extend it, with a hearing held last month.

On June 24, a force spokesman said: 'Following a hearing yesterday, a 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and making threats to kill on Sunday January 30 remains on bail.'

Within hours of the allegations surfacing online, the striker - who has made one appearance for England - was suspended from playing or training with Manchester United until further notice.

Nike also suspended its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, and later terminated it, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its FIFA 22 video game.

Benjamin Mendy, who stands accused of eight counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape relating to seven young women, was playing for Manchester City until he was charged by police.

All the offences are alleged to have taken place at his home address and span between October 2018 and August last year. He will go on trial before a jury on July 25.

Another unnamed Premier League club has also suspended a player after they were arrested on suspicion of committing child sex offences.