Former Newcastle ace Ranger arrested

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Twenty-three-year-old footballer Nile Ranger (L) is under arrest on suspicion of assult weeks after leaving the English Premier League club Newcastle. REUTERS photo

Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of assault just two weeks after leaving the Premier League club.

Troubled Ranger, who left Newcastle by mutual consent a fortnight ago, was helping police with inquiries after officers received reports of a fight between a couple in Newcastle city center.

The 21-year-old former England youth international was held after an alleged assault in the car park of The Gate entertainment complex on the evening of March 13.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “At 7.09 p.m. yesterday evening, police received a report of a fight in the car park area at The Gate, Newcastle.

“A 21-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault and he is currently in custody helping police with inquiries.”

It is not Ranger’s first brush with the law in recent years.

Ranger was released on bail in late January after being arrested on suspicion of rape.

He came through the ranks at Newcastle but only five of his 51 league appearances were in a starting role and he has scored just three goals in all competitions since his debut in 2009.

Allegations of attack on a woman

In January, Ranger was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a Newcastle hotel.

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

He went on to infuriate large sections of the St James’ Park faithful by spelling his name out in 20 notes and posting a photograph online.