Jack Diamond breaks silence as he 'strenuously denies' rape accusations

Sunderland attacker Jack Diamond has vowed to clear his name after he was charged with rape and sexual assault.

Sunderland winger Jack Diamond has ‘strenuously denied’ allegations of rape and sexual assault as he vows to clear his name.

Diamond was charged by Northumbria Police on Thursday for offences alleged to have taken place in Washington in May last year.

Sunderland immediately suspended him and his loan spell at Lincoln City was also terminated. He broke his silence shortly after the news broke by issuing a short statement through a spokesperson.

"Jack Diamond strenuously denies the allegations which have been made against him,” the spokesman for the Sunderland man said. “Jack is looking forward to clearing his name in court."

Diamond is scheduled to appear in court to answer the charged on May 5, and his future in football is clouded in uncertainty as a result.

"In May last year, we received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted inside an address in the Washington area,” Northumbria Police said. “An investigation was immediately launched and a man was subsequently arrested.

“Jack Diamond, 23, of Fatfield, Washington, has now been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault and is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in May."

Sunderland responded immediately, releasing their own statement confirming that Diamond had been suspended pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.

"Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service,” the club said.

"The player has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process, and his loan agreement at Lincoln City Football Club has also been terminated.

“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time."

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