Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been released on bail after being accused of raping a young woman at a Newcastle hotel.
Bramble and brother Tesfaye, a former Southend player, were arrested at the Vermont Hotel on Wednesday morning after police were contacted by a 19-year-old woman.
The pair were questioned by Northumbria Police detectives before being bailed until December pending further inquiries.
And Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed the club will back the 29-year-old, who has denied any wrong-doing.
In a statement released via the club’s official website, Quinn said: “This has been very difficult for everyone at the football club, no-one more so than Titus, who categorically refutes the allegations that have been made against him.
“He strenuously denies any wrong-doing and will be doing everything within his power to clear his name.
“I, as chairman and the club as a whole, totally support Titus in his efforts and we all hope for a swift conclusion to this matter.”