Bramble cleared of rape claim

No further action will be taken against Sunderland defender Titus Bramble in relation to an alleged rape in a Newcastle hotel last month, police said yesterday.

The footballer's older brother Tesfaye remains on police bail.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: "Naturally the last few weeks have been difficult for Titus and I hope that those who condemned him without being in possession of the facts will now offer their apologies."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 29-year-old man has been released and no further action will be taken.

"A 30-year-old man remains on police bail."