/ 28 January 2009

Robinho denies assault allegations

Brazil and Manchester City soccer star Robinho on Wednesday denied any allegations of wrongdoing after British media said he had been arrested in connection with a sexual assault on a woman in northern United Kingdom two weeks ago.

British media said the assault on the 18-year-old woman took place in a nightclub in Leeds.

A statement on the player’s website said Robinho denied any allegations of wrongdoing or criminality and was happy to cooperate with police.

”We can confirm that Robinho met the police today, as pre-arranged and as part of a criminal investigation,” Robinho’s spokesperson, Chris Nathaniel, said in the statement.

”He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to cooperate with the police if required further.”

Asked about the incident, police in West Yorkshire said that a man had been arrested and released on bail, but declined to identify him.

Robinho, whose full name is Robson de Souza, joined Manchester City from Real Madrid in September. — Reuters