Japan Footballer Kaishu Sano Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault
Japan footballer Kaishu Sano who is just 23 years old has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman as reported by local media on Wednesday.
The defensive midfielder along with two friends in their 20s is accused of assaulting the woman at a hotel in Tokyo on Sunday.
Public broadcaster NHK and other media outlets cited unnamed police sources for this information.
The police responded to a call from the woman who was in her 30s immediately after the alleged incident. They arrested the three men near the hotel although the Japanese police have not yet commented on the matter when contacted by AFP.
Sano recently signed with German Bundesliga club Mainz moving from Kashima Antlers earlier this month. He has made four appearances for the Japan national team and was part of the squad at this year’s Asian Cup in Qatar.
Club’s Response and Previous Cases
Sano’s former club Kashima Antlers have expressed deep concern over the allegations. In a statement, they said,
“Due to the nature of the matter, the club is unable to confirm further details but will keep a close eye on the situation.”
This incident follows another recent case involving a Japanese footballer. Junya Ito who plays for French side Reims left the Asian Cup in February after being investigated for an alleged sexual assault in Osaka last year.
It has denied the allegation and is suing his accusers for 200 million yen ($1.3 million) in damages.
These back-to-back incidents have shocked fans and the football community raising questions about the conduct and behavior of professional athletes off the field. As investigations continue the sports world will be watching closely to see how these cases unfold.