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Sunderland AFC staff member arrested over grooming claim

The 60-year-old man has been released while police investigate the claim, which involves a boy under the age of 16.

A general view of the stadium as players warm up ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Derby County at Stadium of Light on August 4, 2017 in Sunderland, England
Image: Sunderland AFC has suspended the staff member. File pic
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A staff member at Sunderland AFC has been arrested on suspicion of meeting a boy following sexual grooming.

The man, 60, has been suspended by the League One football club while police investigate.

A spokesman for the club said: "We were made aware of allegations pertaining to a member of staff.

"We reported the matter to Northumbria Police immediately and the individual in question was suspended.

"Until such time as the police investigation has concluded, the club is unable to make further comment."

A Northumbria Police spokesman confirmed the man had been arrested on suspicion of meeting a boy under the age of 16 following sexual grooming.

"He has since been released under investigation," they added.