Footballer arrested on
suspicion of hotel rape

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

London-born Ranger, who lives in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was still being questioned yesterday.

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 in the Premier League at the weekend.

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

Ranger, an England under-19 player, 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 after Saturday’s 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....” He followed it up with: “To all the fans. U are not forced to buy season tickets.. Or pay our wages.. Please remember that...”

The fan response was fierce, with some demanding he never wear the black and white shirt again.