An unnamed football player from Everton was arrested by police last week on allegations of child-related sexual offenses. The player has been suspended by his club, Everton, while police continue their investigation.
OnlineGambling.com will not name the Premier League star for legal reasons.
The star’s house was searched in connection with the case, with the player being arrested on Friday. Greater Manchester Police released a statement saying “officers arrested a 31-year-old man on Friday, 16 July, 2021 on suspicion of child sex offenses. He is on police bail pending further enquiries.”
Through a short message posted on its website, Everton addressed the situation.
“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 club’s statement read.
An Everton club source told The Mirror that the case “caused a massive shock. Any suggestion of allegations of offences involving a child is rightly taken seriously from the point they are made.”
Everton to sign Demarai Gray from Leverkusen
Former Leicester winger Demarai Gray is close to returning to the Premier League. Everton will pay his current club, Bayer Leverkusen, $20.5 million to sign him. The player is set for a medical on Tuesday. Everton also agreed to terms with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth and winger Andros Townsend, who left Crystal Palace at the end of last season. The two are expected to join the club this week.
Gray had only joined Leverkusen in January on an 18-month contract.
Everton will travel to Florida for a pre-season tour.