Sunderland fine Bramble

Defender Titus Bramble has been fined by Sunderland for bringing the club into disrepute, it was announced on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with two counts of sexual assault and one of urinating in a public place following his arrest on September 28. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug, but police said no further action would be taken on that allegation.

Bramble's legal team has said he "vehemently" denies the charges and will be "vigorously contesting them".

Following Bramble's arrest, Sunderland suspended the defender and launched their own investigation.

A club spokesman said on Tuesday: "Sunderland AFC has confirmed that following a full investigation, defender Titus Bramble has been fined and given the maximum sanction permitted for bringing the club's name into disrepute.

"The club can also confirm that the allegation of a drug-related offence has been dropped and that he has tested negative for all banned substances, as he has done in all previous drug tests carried out throughout his career.

"Sunderland AFC is unable to comment further at present."

Bramble has missed the club's last five games through his suspension, only one of which they have won.

It is understood he will now be able to return to training, although whether or not he will be available for selection remains to be seen.

Bramble's career started at his home town club, Ipswich, before he moved to Newcastle under Sir Bobby Robson for £6million. He joined Wigan and then moved back to the north-east with Sunderland last year.