Credit: Twitter
The bail of a Premier League player accused of raping a woman has been reportedly extended again, until August. The player may have the charge hovering over his head when the new season begins, which is just one month away. The 30-year-old was detained in Barnet in July, last year when a lady in her 20s accused him of rape.
The claims that Scotland Yard is looking into have previously been confirmed. Over the course of the year since the incident, the player's bail has been increased numerous times, according to a report by The Telegraph. Despite the player being questioned, he played for the full 2022–23 season after being arrested on July 20, 2022.
Concerns have been raised by MPs and activists on whether the internationally known player should have been let to continue competing. The footballer, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was detained on July 4 of last year in north London on suspicion of two distinct attacks. The second alleged attack is believed to have occurred in June 2022, and the first is said to have occurred in April 2021, however, the player has refuted every charge.
The club declared 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 fulfill 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 police had already increased his bail three times; according to The Telegraph, the new bail date is now August of this year.
