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Premier League star arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse offenses
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Winning the Premier League trophy is a dream for many football stars. /CFP

Winning the Premier League trophy is a dream for many football stars. /CFP

A Premier League footballer, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse offenses, according to multiple British media outlets. 

It is understood that the married player was arrested last Friday by Greater Manchester Police before being released on bail. The Sun reported the police had raided the player's home earlier this month in search of evidence, while the Daily Mail revealed that the footballer has been suspended by his club while the investigation continues. 

Later in the day, Premier League side Everton confirmed that they have suspended a player pending a police investigation, but the club stopped short of clarifying whether it was the same player who had been arrested on suspicion of child sex offenses.  

"The club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time," Everton said in a statement. 

The majority of the Everton players have returned to the training ground two weeks ago to begin work with their new manager Rafa Benitez in preparation for the new campaign. The Blues are expected to face Manchester United on August 7 in a warm-up before kicking off their Premier League season against Southampton a week later. 

Adam Johnson during the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, November 1, 2015. /CFP

Adam Johnson during the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, November 1, 2015. /CFP

Michael Ellis, the Attorney General for England and Wales, insisted that the public should remain cautious when discussing the sexual abuse case. "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and everyone deserves a fair trial," he was quoted as saying by the Guardian. 

"A misjudged tweet or post could have grave repercussions and interfere with a trial. It could mean a trial is delayed or at worst stopped because a fair trial isn't possible. So I would caution everyone, don't get in the way of justice being done," he added.

It isn't the first time that a Premier League player has found himself making headlines on sex-related charges. 

Former Manchester City, Sunderland and Middlesbrough player Adam Johnson was one of the most high-profile cases in the English topflight in recent times. He was arrested in March 2015 after being charged with sexual activity with a 15-year-old supporter.  

It emerged during the trial the talented winger met his victim when she was 14 as she would wait for him after games to get his autograph. Johnson later pleaded guilty to grooming the girl and one charge of sexual activity. The former England star was sacked by Sunderland and was ultimately jailed for six years.

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