Betis striker arrested for alleged assault on ex-girlfriend

Real Betis striker Rubén Castro has been arrested at the club’s training ground following a police complaint of assault lodged by his ex-girlfriend. The club was informed that the Canaries-born player was to be detained in the morning and asked that the arrest be carried out after the training session, which was attended by members of the public.

Castro was taken to the cells at police headquarters in Seville and was expected to be arraigned later on Tuesday. “We believe in the presumption of innocence and we will take charge of Rubén’s defense,” said the club.

“We must trust in justice,” said Betis president Miguel Guillén.

According to a Europa Press report, the alleged victim told police that at 3am on Tuesday morning she and Castro had an argument in the street after leaving a nightclub in Seville, whereupon the player “delivered several punches.” The woman claimed she was Castro’s girlfriend, although the player said the two were no longer romantically involved.

Police sources said the incident is being treated as a suspected case of gender violence. Sources at Real Betis said they expected Castro to be released on bail.

The forward is Betis’ top scorer this season with 18 goals. The Andalusian club plays Levante in the last round of Liga matches this weekend and requires a single point to secure a place in the Europa League next season.