Sunderland star Bramble arrested over rape claim
SUNDERLAND defender Titus Bramble was arrested yesterday on suspicion of raping a young woman in a Newcastle hotel.
Police questioned Bramble, 29, and his brother Tesfaye, 30, after the alleged incident in the early hours of yesterday morning was reported.
Former England Under-21 centre-back Titus “categorically refutes the allegations”, Sunderland said in a statement last night.
Chairman Niall Quinn added: “He strenuously denies any wrongdoing 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.”
Tesfaye has previously played for Southend United, Cambridge United, Stockport County and Stevenage Borough. He has also represented the Caribbean island Montserrat at international level.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Police received a report of a rape of a woman at a city centre hotel in Newcastle in the early hours. Two men, aged 29 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of rape.”