Northumbria Police have charged Sunderland player, Jack Diamond, with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges are related to an incident that took place in May last year, and Diamond is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
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.”
Following notification of the charges, Sunderland AFC has suspended Diamond with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process. The club has also terminated his loan agreement with League One’s Lincoln City Football Club.
In response to the news, a spokesperson for Sunderland AFC has confirmed that they have been notified of the criminal charges brought against Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service. The spokesperson also stated that as the matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time.
“Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.
“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 Football Club has also confirmed that Diamond’s loan deal has been terminated with immediate effect. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop and whether Diamond will contest the charges against him.
