Sunderland footballer, Jack Diamond has been charged with rape and sexual assault.
Diamond, 23, has been suspended by Sunderland and his loan spell with Lincoln City has been terminated with immediate effect as a result of the charges.
He had been arrested after an alleged sexual assault in Washington, Tyne, and Wear, in May of last year.
Northumbria Police then launched an investigation and have charged him with one count of rape and one of sexual assault. Diamond is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
‘Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service,’ a Sunderland statement read.
‘The player has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process, and his loan agreement at Lincoln City Football Club has also been terminated.
‘As this matter is subject to a legal process, the Club will not be making any further statement at this time.’
Lincoln City said: ‘Jack Diamond’s loan spell at City has been terminated with immediate effect.
‘The club are unable to make any further statement at this time.’
In a statement on Thursday, Northumbria Police said: ‘In May last year, we received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted inside an address in the Washington area. An investigation was immediately launched and a man was subsequently arrested.
‘Jack Diamond, 23, of Fatfield, Washington, has now been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault and is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.’
Diamond, a winger, has made 45 appearances for Sunderland during his career at the Black Cats.
He joined Lincoln City, who play in League One, on a season-long loan last August.
Diamond has played in 38 matches for Lincoln during the current campaign, scoring eight goals and making five assists.