Charges against Chelsea striker Lucas Piazon dropped

Sexual assault charges made against Chelsea striker Lucas Piazon three months ago have been dropped.

Piazon, who is currently on loan at Reading, was wanted by Toronto Police in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a 21-year old girl in Toronto last summer, but all charges have now been dropped.

Piazon's legal representatives have today issued a statement saying: "This unsupportable and irresponsible allegation by Toronto Police wrongly and unfairly tarnished Mr. Piazon's unblemished reputation.

"Prior to the announcement the police knew that today's decision to withdraw the charge was inevitable.

"The decision to withdraw the charge - on the basis that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction - reflects the thorough and professional examination of this matter by senior and experienced Crown prosecutors. The Crown's guidance had been sought - but clearly ignored - by the police prior to their October press conference.

"It is both regrettable and unacceptable that the police chose to disregard the balanced and fair-minded assessment made by the Crown, and to defiantly proceed to announce charges when the conclusion had been reached that the evidence could not justify a trial.

"As Counsel for Mr.Piazon, we wish to express our appreciation to the Crown for the principled and professional manner in which it has exercised its responsibilities."