Titus Bramble suspened by Sunderland

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been suspended over allegations of sexual assault and possession of a Class A drug.The 30-year-old was released on police bail on Wednesday night. A statement from the Black Cats read:'Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Titus Bramble has been suspended from duties, pending the outcome of a club investigation. Out of action: The Sunderland defender has been banned 'The player will not attend team training or be available for selection for matches during this period. 'The club is unable to make any further comment on the matter at present.' Questioning: Bramble was detained for 15 hoursBramble was questioned by officers for 15 hours over allegations of sexual assault and possession of a Class A drug.The alleged sex attack is said to have happened in the back of a taxi. Bramble was held by the police after the cab driver became concerned by the player's behaviour towards his fellow passenger. Instead of driving Bramble home, he took the pair straight to a nearby police station and alerted officers. They then arrested the defender, who earns ?40,000 a week, on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of a Class A drug. Bramble was released on police bail over the alleged attack in Yarm, North Yorkshire, and left the police station in a black Mercedes. A source said: 'He was in a nightclub on the high street until about 2.30am. He then left the club and got into a taxi with a girl. Blow: Bruce will be without Bramble for the foreseeable future 'The taxi driver was heading towards Bramble's home 15 miles away in Wynyard when he became concerned about what was happening in the back of his taxi. 'He instead drove Bramble and the girl five miles to a nearby police station where he alerted officers to what was going on. 'They came out and then arrested him on suspicion of sexual assault. 'They also allegedly discovered a white powder and arrested him on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug. Tests are continuing to determine what the substance is.' In action: Bramble played for Sunderland just 24 hours before his arrest Bramble was later transferred from Stockton to Middlesbrough police station where he was held in the cells overnight and questioned. His alleged victim was taken to a specialist unit where she was interviewed in a video suite by trained officers. Bramble, a former England Under 21 international, had been playing for his club side just 24 hours earlier in a 2-1 defeat to Norwich. He is said to have travelled to Yarm on Tuesday evening for what is known locally as 'grab a granny night' before entering the Cross Keys nightclub. Bramble left the club in the early hours. Bramble is due to meet Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and chairman Niall Quinn on Thursday as the club continue their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, but he is believed to be the only Sunderland player involved.  Bramble bailed by police after questioning over allegations of sexual assault and possession of Class A drugsSunderland defender Bramble arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of class A drugsO'Shea insists there is no need to panic despite Sunderland's slow startSunderland FC news, features and opinion

Source: Daily_Mail