The name of the team has not been released but i have it on good authority that it is Newcastle United.

http://soccernet.espn.go....25&cc=3436

Detectives are investigating an allegation that a group of Premiership footballers sexually assaulted a teenager at a top London hotel.

The 17-year-old girl reported the alleged attack to police in central London at the weekend, Scotland Yard said.

She claims up to eight Premiership stars were involved.

The girl told police she consented to sex with a player from one Premiership club - but seven other footballers from another club then forced themselves on her, according to The Sun newspaper.

Detectives from Operation Sapphire, Scotland Yard's task force to deal with sex crimes, were investigating the allegations.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said today: 'We can confirm that the Metropolitan Police Service have received an allegation of rape from a 17-year-old female.

'At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.''

No players or clubs have been named by the police in connection with the allegation.

None of the Premiership clubs contacted today were prepared to comment.

The Premier League also made no comment, as did the Professional Footballers' Association.

A source said in cases of alleged rape the normal police procedure is to take statements from the victim then interview anyone else involved.

Police are also likely to have sought samples for DNA evidence and to have examined any CCTV footage from the hotel.

A police source said the investigation was still at an early stage.

Solicitor Mark Stephens, who has represented many high profile celebrity clients, said he believed in such cases the names of those allegedly involved will leak out.

He said the Attorney General may act to warn the press about any possible prejudicial reporting because of the fame of the footballers.

'Anyone being investigated will be going to see their lawyers,'' Mr Stephens said.

'You have got celebrity, sex and violence. It is going to be huge and I think the Attorney General understands that.

'If found guilty this is a very serious matter and the starting point is five years' imprisonment for rape, aiding and abetting rape is two to three years.''

He added that any suspects would be expected to face a police interview within a month.

Scotland Yard today said inquiries were continuing but released no further information.
[This message was edited Tue Sep 30 0:02:20 PDT 2003 by lust]

Through a friend of a friend of a friends friends brothers mate, I heard that the players were from a number of different clubs-one England international player at least among them... v. bad news if this really happened

I understand jonathan woodgate was involved, no real surprises there

lust said:

No, although it wouldn't be fair 2 name name's at this stage, if it does involve Woodgate U can be sure he wont be playing football again with his blighted past.

lust said:

If someone read this you could be looking at a lawsuit for slander. It's a 17-year-old making an accusation.

That's all it is until the facts are established...no doubt the media will fill many column inches with this one, another reason why i hate the media.

so it's not only in America any more huh? I hope she is ready for the onslaught of the media..poor thing if this really happened to her I feel so sorry for her.

butterfli25 said:

what on EARTH are u on about?

It's not endemic 2 AmericA u know!

*Look it up! Edit*
[This message was edited Tue Sep 30 13:25:21 PDT 2003 by bananacologne]

I 'm not ON about anything I was just thinking of the whole Kobe thing and this is the first time I've heard about it happening anywhere else.

why what did you think I was alluding too?

butterfli25 said:

Thanx, u answered my question 4 me right there.