A former Crewe Alexandra footballer from Staffordshire has been charged with raping a woman, and subsequently suspended by his current club.

Oliver Finney, 25, faces one allegation, which happened in Cheshire, in 2022.

The midfielder from Newcastle-under-Lyme, left Crewe for Hartlepool United in January.

Oliver Finney, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, left Crewe Alex for Hartlepool United in January (Cheshire Police).

Finney has made over 20 appearances for the National League side since leaving Crewe.

Cheshire Police said the former Alex player appeared at Crewe Magistrates' Court on 13 November, 2022.

Finney has now been suspended by Hartlepool, pending the outcome.

A club statement on its website read: "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.

Cheshire Police said Oliver Finney appeared at Crewe Magistrates' Court on 13 November, 2022 (Ryan Parker).

"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."

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