Premier League Footballers Arrested in Rape Investigation
London, UK – Two teenage Premier League footballers have been arrested in connection with an alleged rape, according to reports. The incident is said to have taken place on Friday night, and the alleged victim contacted police hours later to file a formal complaint.
Police reportedly swooped on a stadium over the weekend and detained one of the players, a 19-year-old, on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. He was interviewed briefly at the ground before being arrested later that night and questioned by detectives under caution. His teammate, also 19, was detained the following day and questioned on suspicion of rape.
Both players have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries. The club involved has not yet commented on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.
This arrest marks another in a series of high-profile sex scandals plaguing the Premier League. In recent years, several clubs have faced investigations into sexual offenses involving players and staff members, leading to concerns about the league’s handling of such allegations.
A BBC News investigation last year found that clubs had continued to play two footballers and kept a boss in post while knowing they were under police investigation for sexual or domestic violence. Alleged victims claimed that the Football Association and Premier League prioritize commercial interests over the safety of women.
Seven out of 20 Premier League clubs have had players or bosses investigated by the police for sexual offenses since 2020, according to the BBC. Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, 22, was suspended in 2022 after he was arrested for attempted rape. The case was later dropped, and he is now on loan at Spanish La Liga side Getafe.
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, 29, was cleared of multiple rapes after two trials last year and is now at French side Lorient. Their cases and others prompted the Premier League to launch sexual consent lessons for all players.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, expressed concern about the influence that footballers have on young people. She said, “There are generations of young people that look up to them.”
