Ex-Everton player arrested on suspicion of child sex offences is CLEARED and faces no further action

An ex-Everton player arrested on suspicion of child sex offences is CLEARED and faces no further action, police confirm in a statement.

The player who, for legal reasons cannot be named, will not face any further action was detained by the police in July 2021, before being released on bail.

In February, it was confirmed that Crown Prosecution Service was investigating whether or not the International star should be charged.

The police confirmed today that the case has been dropped and he won’t face any further charges.

BREAKING: Former Everton footballer arrested on suspicion of child sex offences is CLEARED and will face no further action, police confirm https://t.co/OqRzfEQgi6 pic.twitter.com/v8SLhzAeFJ

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 14, 2023

A statement from Greater Manchester Police read: ‘The investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service have been working together and reached the decision that the evidence available at this time does not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

‘Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating allegations to secure the best possible outcomes for all involved and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure individuals are supported throughout investigations and beyond.’

Police were sent to the footballer’s home in July 2021 where “several items were seized”.

He was suspended from Everton while police investigated the allegations.

A statement from the team at the time said: “Everton can confirm it has suspended a player pending a police investigation.

“The Club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time.”

The alleged offences were described as “very serious” with an investogation led by Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team.

The Goodison Park outfit – which confirmed it had suspended the player – was understood to have arranged the temporary accommodation and is providing 24/7 support, according to reports after the incident.

The player was said to have returned to Merseyside after the allegations surfaced.

He was held by the police in July 2021, before being released on bail, with that being extended around 12 months ago.

A source told the Daily Mail: “I’m told from a reliable source that he is in a safe house that Everton got him and he is being supported 24/7.”

Officers reportedly looked in and around his UK home and seized potential evidence.

The wife of the suspected international player has left the marital home for her hometown, said MailOnline.

She was believed to have been staying at another home of theirs for several weeks before his arrest.

A source close to player said she was being comforted by members of her family and was spotted walking near the house with her father after news broke.

This situation unfortunately saw Premier League player Fabian Delph caught up in it all as speculation was rife on Twitter.

He was furious with club’s handling. As the team flew out to Orlando for the preseason Florida Cup, Delph was subject of repeated online abuse.

Delph’s absence from the trip was a precautionary measure taken after he came into contact with someone who at the time tested positive for Covid.

Nevertheless, the circumstances of his situation resulted in the former Leeds, Aston Villa, Man City player being subject to repeated gossip that he had in fact been suspended.

The Athletic reported that Delph was furious with how Everton have dealt with the situation, greatly unhappy with the club’s failure to adequately clarify the situation and has made his feelings clear.

He took to Instagram in an attempt to stop any further speculation, a post on the site which has since been deleted, he uploaded a photo of himself in preseason training with the caption: “Working hard in pre-season”.

Bradley Johnson had his say at the time, being confused at how the name can’t be revealed yet so much more is allowed.

The footballer simply wrote: “If you’re not going to disclose the name of who’s been arrested, you shouldn’t be disclosing the age of them either!

“And make ppl start the guessing game.

“It only leads to one thing, online trolling!

“It’s not fair or right that Fab an he’s family have to go through this. 🤬🤬”

If you’re not going to disclose the name of who’s been arrested, you shouldn’t be disclosing the age of them either!
And make ppl start the guessing game,
It only leads to one thing, online trolling!
It’s not fair or right that Fab an he’s family have to go through this. 🤬🤬

— Bradley Johnson (@BradJohnson15) July 21, 2021

The rest of squad were said to be desperate for the gossip and innuendo over the player’s identity to end. Several of Everton’s senior players have been pleading with club bosses to reveal the name.

According to The Sun, the squad were told not to contact their accused colleague, and are “highly agitated” by the ordeal.

“Senior Everton players have been contacted day and night by other Premier League stars, all seeking details,” a source said at the time.

“The players are highly agitated, they are not happy to be dragged into it.”