Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape, police said Thursday.
The 29-year-old Bramble and his brother Tesfaye were detained after the alleged rape of a woman at a city center hotel was reported to police early Wednesday. The Sunderland player denies any wrongdoing.
''Both men have been bailed pending further inquiries,'' Northumbria police said. They will answer bail on Dec. 2.
Bramble, who joined Sunderland from English Premier League club rival Wigan in the offseason, did not play in Tuesday's 2-1 home loss to West Ham in the League Cup but he should start against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
''He wants to go and put the record straight. He wishes he could, but legally we can't,'' Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said. ''He wants to just go and play and forget about it. It's unfortunate, what has happened, but he plays, it's as simple as that.''
