Hartlepool United's Oliver Finney charged with rape
- Published
Midfielder Oliver Finney joined Hartlepool United from Crewe Alexandra in January
A Hartlepool United footballer has been charged with raping a woman.
Oliver Finney, 25, faces one allegation said to have happened in Cheshire in 2022.
The midfielder joined the National League team from League Two side Crewe Alexandra in January.
Cheshire Police said he had been summonsed to appear at Crewe Magistrates' Court on 13 November. Hartlepool United said he had been suspended pending the outcome.
A club spokesman said: "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."
A Crewe Alexandra spokesperson said: "The club has been made aware of a police investigation surrounding one of our former players. This is a personal matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further."
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on X (formerly Twitter), external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk, external.