MANCHESTER United goalie Dean Henderson has denied he is the Premier League star arrested for attacking his girlfriend.
The 24-year-old hit out at “hurtful and false” rumours sparked by the revelation that an unnamed player was nicked when cops swooped on his home, first reported by The Sun.
Following the report, social media flooded with people speculating who the anonymous star, tipped for international honours, might be.
Many pointed the finger at Henderson, but the goalkeeper has forcefully shut down the gossip.
He said on Instagram: “Can’t believe I’m having to do this but I’d just like to address the rumours that have come to light in the last couple of days.
“There are some sad people in the world that have attached my name to such inappropriate, hurtful and totally false news stories.
“I have a family who have even affected by this so wanted to put the rumours to bed and move on.”
The Premier League star in question was arrested over an attack on his girlfriend after she called the police.
He is also said to have sent her abusive late-night messages.
The player hired lawyers before agreeing a payout to her — thought to be a five-figure sum — in an out-of-court settlement.
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A football source said: “This is quite disturbing. In this case, the footballer used his money to get lawyers to sort it out for him and keep it out of the public eye.
“He reached a settlement and that has effectively silenced the girl in question and stopped court action.
“Her claims though were very serious, and included at least one allegation of domestic assault.”
Police confirmed they were called but the player faced no further action because a “community resolution” was agreed.
The star, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in 2019 and is no longer in a relationship with his accuser.
ACE ARRESTED
Teresa Parker, of Women’s Aid and founder of the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign, believes players’ money is used to sweep abuse under the carpet.
She said: “This case shows how the significant amount of power and money within football can mean that allegations of domestic abuse — or other forms of violence against women by players — are seen as issues to be managed.
“As in this case, what can happen is that every effort is taken to make what is seen as a problem go away.
“All football clubs and organisations need to have domestic abuse policies, to ensure they do not become the enablers and excusers of men who abuse their partners.”
How you can get help
WOMEN’S AID has this advice for victims of domestic abuse:
ALWAYS keep your phone nearby.
Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid helpline and services such as SupportLine.
IF you are in danger, immediately call 999.
FAMILIARISE yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialling 55.
ALWAYS keep cash on you, including change for bus fare.
IF you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house — where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons.
Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200.
The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends and is reached at messageinfo@supportline.org.uk
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
