Former Sunderland player Cabral charged with rape Published duration 15 March 2016

image copyright SAFC image caption Cabral now plays for FC Zurich

Former Sunderland player Cabral is to go on trial accused of two counts of rape.

The midfielder, real name Adilson Tavares Varela, was arrested on 25 January 2015 after the alleged incident in Gateshead.

The 27-year-old, who previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, will stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on 25 April.

Cabral only made one Premier League appearance for Sunderland in 2013-14.

Sunderland AFC announced on 2 February 2015 that the player had left the club by mutual consent.

The former Swiss Under-21 international previously played for Lausanne, Sevilla and FC Basel. He currently plays for FC Zurich.

Sunderland AFC declined to comment.

Former Sunderland winger Adam Johnson, 28, who played for England 12 times, will be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on 24 March after he was convicted of sexual activity with a girl of 15.