Who is Oliver Finney and what has he been charged with?
A PROFESSIONAL footballer has been accused of raping a woman.
OLIVER Finney, 25, will face court over the charge - here we look at the footballer's life, career, and what he has been accused of.
Who is Oliver Finney?
Oliver Vincent Finney was born on December 15, 1997.
Finney is from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire.
He is a professional footballer who plays in midfield.
Finney began his footballing career at Crewe Alexandra, which was formed in 1877 as an offshoot of Crewe Alexandra Cricket Club, where he graduated from the team's academy.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
To gain first team experience he completed periods on loan at non-league sides Nantwich Town during the 2016/17 season, and Halesowen Town on a two-month loan deal during the 2017/18 season.
The midfielder returned to Crewe in 2017, signing a further one-year contract in 2018.
He made 124 appearances for the Cheshire club and scored 17 goals.
Finney signed for Hartlepool on transfer deadline day in January 2023 on a permanent contract.
Most read in Football
Who did Oliver Finney play for?
Finney played for Hartlepool United FC before being suspended in October 2023.
He had made 20 appearances for the club and scored two goals for the team, which was relegated to the National League at the end of last season.
On joining the Pools, Finney said: "I'm buzzing to be here. There's a lot of work to do, but there's no reason that this squad can't kick on.
"The quality here is plain to see."
What has Oliver Finney been charged with?
Finney has been charged with one count of rape, according to the Cheshire Constabulary.
The midfielder allegedly attacked a woman in 2022 while playing for Crewe Alexandria in League Two.
Finney has been suspended by Hartlepool while the case is ongoing.
The club released a statement on October 27, 2023 reading: "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.
"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."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Cheshire Constabulary said: "A man from Hartlepool has been summonsed to court following an investigation into a rape.
"Oliver Finney, 25, is set to be appear at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Monday 13th November charged with one count of rape."