Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond has been charged with rape and sexual assault.
Diamond, 23, has been suspended by Sunderland and his loan spell with Lincoln City has been terminated with immediate effect as a result of the charges.
He had been arrested after an alleged sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, in May of last year.
Northumbria Police then launched an investigation and have charged him with one count of rape and one of sexual assault. Diamond is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in May.
'Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service,' a Sunderland statement read.