Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of rape, PA sources have said.
The 21-year-old Premier League footballer was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle between Wednesday and Thursday.
A police spokeswoman said: "On Thursday January 24 a woman reported to police that she had been raped overnight at a hotel in Jesmond.
Arrested: Ranger last played for Newcastle three weeks ago
"A 21-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Forest Hall on suspicion of rape."
Ranger angered Newcastle fans at the weekend after he criticised them for booing the team after their 2-1 Premier League loss to Reading.
He further enraged fan by apparently spelling his name out in £20 notes and posting a photo online.
Ranger has made 62 appearances for the Magpies.
Newcastle have declined to comment.