Bournemouth have dropped Spanish fullback Alex Jimenez from their first-team squad and launched an investigation over claims he directly messaged a child on social media.
Screenshots emerged on Friday morning of an exchange seemingly between the 21-year-old footballer and a female Instagram user, who said she was 15.
Within hours,Bournemouth announced Jimenez was not included in the match-day squad for the Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday.
The club will now investigate the widely circulated footage and insisted they “understand the seriousness of the matter”.
Screenshots showed an exchange between Jimenez and a 15-year-old on Instagram. Photo / Supplied
“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez,” the club said. “The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.
Photo / Supplied
“As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Photo / Supplied
Jimenez has been a key player for Bournemouth this season and has only missed one league game since December, with his form helping his club push for a top-six finish.
Photo / Supplied
He initially arrived on loan from AC Milan but that move was made permanent in February, with £16.4 million ($37.5m) paid for the Spain Under-21 international, with £4.3 million in add-ons.
Should Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth in the league, the extra place in the Champions League will go to sixth place, now occupied by Bournemouth.
“The club has to do their investigations and see what has really happened,” said Andoni Iraola on the eve of the clash against Fulham. “We will then move from there. I hope it’s not what we think.”
Iraola has previously praised Jimenez’s performances and says he could play as a winger as well as a fullback in the future.
Telegraph Sport has approached Jimenez for comment.
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