Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond has appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault.
The 23-year-old was suspended by the club in March after being charged with one count of rape and sexual assault following two incidents in May last year.
The incidents were said to have occurred on May 6 and May 9 2022 in an address in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
Diamond's defence indicated that he will plead not guilty to both charges, following his statement in March in which a spokesperson for the player said he 'strenuously denies' both allegations.
Arriving at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday, Diamond wore a dark suit for his appearance in front of the judge.