A non-league footballer has been charged with raping a woman and is set to appear in court next month.
Oliver Finney, 25, is accused of attacking the woman in Cheshire in 2022. The Hartlepool United midfielder was playing for League Two side Crewe Alexandria at the time of the allegation.
The midfielder moved from Crewe to Hartlepool on transfer deadline day in January. He had played 124 times for Crewe before signing with the north east Vanarama National League club.
Cheshire Police confirmed Finney has been summonsed to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
Hartlepool Town midfielder Oliver Finney, pictured, has been suspended by the club after he was charged on suspicion of raping a woman in Crewe in 2022
The 25-year-old footballer, pictured, will appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on November 13
The club, who are 12th in the league, said the midfielder was suspended while the case is ongoing.
In a statement, the club said: ‘Hartlepool United have been made aware of a police investigation surrounding a first-team player which has been reported in the press today.
‘The allegation dates back to before the player joined Hartlepool United.
‘Upon being informed of the allegation and investigation for the first time the Club immediately placed the player on suspension pending the investigation outcome.
‘The matter is subject to an official process and therefore no further comment will made at this time.’