A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse offences. The player was arrested last Friday and interviewed by police before he was released on bail.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers arrested a man on Friday 16 July 2021 on suspicion of child sex offences. He is on police bail pending further inquiries.”
The footballer has been suspended by his club while the investigation continues.
Everton released a statement on Monday night but declined to confirm whether it was the same player who had been arrested on suspicion of child sex offences. The statement read: “Everton can confirm it has suspended a first-team player pending a police investigation. The club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time.”
The attorney general, Michael Ellis QC, warned the public to be careful about discussing the case. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and everyone deserves a fair trial,” he told the Guardian.
“A misjudged tweet or post could have grave repercussions and interfere with a trial. It could mean a trial is delayed or at worst stopped because a fair trial isn’t possible – so I would caution everyone, don’t get in the way of justice being done.
“The attorney general’s office will monitor the situation and we will review any contempt of court allegations made to us.”
