Sunderland defender Titus Bramble, who denies any wrongdoing, has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape. Police had detained the 29-year-old Bramble and his brother Tesfaye after the alleged rape of a woman at a city center hotel was reported early Wednesday.

“He wants to go and put the record straight," Sunderland coach Steve Bruce said. "He wishes he could, but legally we can’t. He wants to just go and play and forget about it. It’s unfortunate, what has happened, but he plays, it’s as simple as that.”

Bramble, a former England U-21 national team player, joined Sunderland from English Premier League club rival Wigan in the offseason. He is expected to start against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.