Manchester United’s Evans arrested

The 19 year old defender is arrested and questioned.

Evans

undefined

Ditheko Mototo of Kaizer Chiefs evades Jonathan Evans
(l) as part of United’s pre-season tour of South Africa in
2006 [GALLO/GETTY]

Police last night arrested and questioned Manchester United defender Johnny Evans over the alleged rape of a woman at the club’s Christmas party.

The 19-year-old international was arrested after returning from a day-trip to Monaco and immediately made himself available for interview.

Police said on Tuesday they were investigating an allegation that a woman was raped at a hotel in northwest England where Manchester United players and staff were holding a Christmas party.

Greater Manchester Police said they were called to a report that a 26-year-old had been attacked at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester city centre at 4.15am on Tuesday.

English newspaper The Daily Mail reports that the players had reportedly collectively paid $200,000 for Monday’s party and invited around 100 girls back to the $800-a-night Manchester hotel.

Wives and girlfriends were not invited, but the alleged victim was there with her boyfriend.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman told the tabloid The Sun today, “Detectives investigating a report of rape at a Manchester city centre hotel have arrested a 19-year-old.

“He was arrested on suspicion of rape this evening after presenting himself to police. He remains in custody.”

A hotel spokeswoman said the hotel was closed to the public and is likely to reopen on Wednesday.

“We have had an allegation at the hotel and we are helping police with their investigation,” she said.

Evans is seen as a rising star at Manchester United, making three appearances this season.

The defender spent last season on loan at Sunderland. He has played for Northern Ireland eight times but has not got a regular place in Manchester United’s first team.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the entire Manchester United first team; excluding Cristiano Ronaldo, attended the club’s annual Christmas party.

On Wednesday, the Manchester United players arrived as normal at their Carrington training ground shortly after 9am. Evans was not among them.

Source: News Agencies