Newcastle striker Nile ranger arrested on suspicion of rape

Nile Ranger has only just returned to first-team action (GETTY IMAGES)

The Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger was today arrested on suspicion of rape.

The 21-year-old Premier League footballer was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel near Newcastle between Wednesday and Thursday.

Ranger, who lives in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was being questioned today.

A police spokeswoman said: "On Thursday January 24 a woman reported to police that she had been raped overnight at a hotel in Jesmond.

"A 21-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Forest Hall on suspicion of rape."

Ranger angered fans by criticising them for booing after Newcastle lost to Reading at the weekend.

He went on to enrage them by apparently spelling his name out in £20 notes and posting a photo online.

A Newcastle United spokeswoman declined to comment.

Ranger, who plays for the England under-19 team, has had a troubled time at Newcastle, and has been loaned to Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley.

Back on the fringes of the first team at Newcastle, he tweeted on Saturday after the side's Premier League defeat: "Certain fans need to not come and support this team... Coming out to BOOO us.. Stay at home.. Don't need ur BOO's.... SAY NO MORE !!!"

He followed it up with: "Last thing from me... To all the fans. U are not forced to buy season tickets.. Or pay our wages.. Please remember that..."

The response from the Toon Army was fierce, with fans demanding he never wear the black and white shirt again.

The day after, he tweeted: "God gives the hardest battles to the strongest soldiers !!"

Ranger was tonight bailed after being questioned by detectives.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 21-year-old has been released on bail."