The Premier League footballer, who also played in the 2022 World Cup, was accused last year of raping two women in separate attacks, and now a third alleged victim has come to light.
A footballer accused of raping two women now faces a third-sex charge but still plays for his Premier League club.
Several groups of women reacted furiously last night when it was revealed that the footballer faced another accusation of sexual assault by a third party, but was still allowed to play. Teresa Parker of Women’s Aid said the club risked “downplaying” violence against women.
The footballer, who also played in the 2022 World Cup, was accused last year of raping two women in separate attacks, in 2021 and 2022. A third alleged victim has now come forward who claims she was sexually assaulted by the international star in Hertfordshire in February. last year.
Legal experts and women’s groups questioned last night why the star, whose name cannot be identified, is still playing while on bail under police investigation.
Adam Pavey, partner at specialist legal firm Beyond Corporate, said: “I think suspension is the initial act of an employer. You are not saying whether they have done something or not. You remain innocent until proven guilty. But you have to consider your female employees, and that can also involve a team of women. I was astonished when I saw that they hadn’t done that.”
Teresa Parker of Women’s Aid said the case showed why all employers, including “typically male-dominated soccer clubs”, needed policies against violence against women.
She said: “As a club, the lack of clear guidelines around reporting rape and domestic abuse risks becoming complicit in minimizing violence against women.
“Ignoring it is not a neutral action, it has an effect. How a club responds not only affects those involved and the message they receive from the club, but also the messages fans receive about what is acceptable. Clubs must implement guidelines for when players or employees are arrested, or when complaints are made.
In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “On 4 July 2022, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police. The alleged rape was reported to have occurred in June 2022.
“On July 4, a man was arrested at an address in Barnet on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody.
“While in custody, he was re-arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that allegedly took place in April and June 2021 against a different woman in her 20s. In February 2023, the man was interviewed under reprimand for a sexual offense that allegedly took place in Barnet in February 2022. This relates to a third victim and was reported to the police in July 2022.”
Police said no further action would be taken in relation to the alleged offense in June 2021, adding that bail had been extended to a date in July.
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has been suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022. All charges have been dropped.
An Everton star arrested on suspicion of child sex offenses in July 2021 has also been suspended. The CPS was considering a file on the case in January of this year.
Rachel Fletcher, of Slater Heelis Solicitors, said: “Employers would normally furlough employees initially. It’s at your discretion.” The player’s club declined to comment to the Mirror.