Bernard cleared of accused rape


By Peter Donnelly
July 11 2003

Olivier Bernard will not face any charges after being accused of rape by a teenage girl. Police who carried out a three-month investigation today confirmed Bernard, as well as four other men who were also arrested, will not be prosecuted as there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges. The accusation was on April 27th, following a night out on Newcastle Quayside, when Bernard had been out celebrating Newcastle's 1-0 derby victory against Sunderland.

The suspected rape was said to have taken place in a Newcastle flat in the early hours of that night, and the left-back, along with four others, were arrested after claims by a 16-year-old.

But police today confirmed Bernard and the four other men are clear of any charges because of insufficient evidence.

This is very good news for the club and obviously for the player too, as Newcastle's reputation is coming under large media scrutiny regarding their players' behaviour.

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