Footballer Jack Diamond is charged with rape and sexual assault

Sunderland winger Jack Diamond has been suspended by the Championship club after being charged with rape and sexual assault.

The 23-year-old, who progressed through Sunderland's academy, has also seen his loan spell at Lincoln City terminated with immediate effect.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson 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 made 45 appearances for Sunderland, including as a substitute when they won the Papa John's Trophy at Wembley in 2021. 

A club statement read: '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.' 

Diamond had scored eight times from 36 matches for League One Lincoln this season.

A spokesman for Diamond said: 'Jack Diamond strenuously denies the allegations which have been made against him. Jack is looking forward to clearing his name in court.'–Daily Mail