Ranger ends Newcastle stay

01 March 2013 19:17

Troubled striker Nile Ranger has left Newcastle after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

The 21-year-old was in late January released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape.

A statement from the club said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Nile Ranger has left the club by mutual consent."

The England Under-19 international has recently had running battles with Newcastle supporters via social networking site Twitter, but used his account simply to say, "I'm happy".

The London-born Ranger came through the ranks at Newcastle, but only five of his 51 league appearances have come as starts, and he has scored just three goals in all competitions since making his debut in 2009.

He has also spent time out on loan at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.

In January, he was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle on the night of January 23/24.

His arrest came after Ranger angered Newcastle fans by criticising them for booing after Newcastle lost to Reading the previous weekend.

He went on to enrage them by apparently spelling his name out in £20 notes and posting a photo online.

Source: PA