Kieron Dyer reveals trauma of being falsely linked to the 2003 ‘roasting’ scandal

Kieron Dyer has revealed the emotional strife he went through in the weeks after he was falsely linked to the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in a London hotel room in September 2003.

The former Newcastle star was publicly identified as being implicated in the now infamous ‘roasting’ scandal, which came after a former convent schoolgirl claimed she had been raped in the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair by a group of Premier League footballers.

Club team-mate Titus Bramble ex-Chelsea striker Carlton Cole were named after they were arrested soon after, but following a three-and-a-half-month inquiry, the Crown Prosecution Service decided against prosecuting the pair.

No charges have ever been brought against any of the men alleged to have been involved.

In the following month, Dyer – 24 at the time – was forced to issue a statement denying his involvement in the scandal, and went on to win damages from The Sun newspaper after he was wrongly accused. 

Now speaking to The Central Club on YouTube, the 43-year-old has revealed how the ‘damage was done’ when he played a Premier League game away at Middlesbrough soon after the scandal had made headlines.

Kieron Dyer has revealed the emotional strife he went through in the weeks after he was falsely linked to a gang rape in 2003

Speaking about being interviewed by police as a witness, Dyer said: ‘What they said to me was that while this was a criminal investigation, I couldn’t release a statement, so I had the whole country think that I was part of this massive ‘roasting scandal’ when I wasn’t even there.

‘We played Middlesbrough away on the Saturday and I can remember as soon as I touched the ball, every single one of their fans was singing: ”Who’s the rapist on the wing?”

‘Titus didn’t rape anyone… you know where I wanted to lash out at people because I couldn’t even defend myself. But I eventually put out a statement. I sued every single one of the papers because they wrongly accused me.

‘But the damage had already been done. I wasn’t even there.’ 

Dyer sang how Middlesbrough fans sang: ”Who’s the rapist on the wing?” during a game there

Dyer was forced to issue a statement denying his involvement, and went on to win damages

In his statement in October 2003, Dyer said: ‘I had no involvement in this matter let alone being ‘at the centre of it’ as suggested in emails, websites and elsewhere.’

‘Until now I have felt trapped and it has been very frustrating that I have been unable to clarify publicly the facts which clearly exonerate me, whilst the police conduct their inquiries.’

Addressing the same scandal nearly 10 years later, Dyer revealed how difficult life became for him following the allegations.

‘The Grosvenor House scandal set me back. When I was publicly named, I was devastated. There were times when the chairman and manager would have to get someone to bring me in for training because I just didn’t want to train.

Then team-mate Titus Bramble was arrested and named but no charge was brought against him

‘I remember going for a meal in Newcastle and a fan coming up and saying I’m going to rip your head off, how can you do that to a girl? I was devastated. What made it worse was because the investigation was going on, I couldn’t release a statement saying I wasn’t involved. That was hard.’

Meanwhile, speaking about the allegations in 2012, ex-West Ham striker Cole said via The Evening Standard: ‘I was in the room with her and another player, I won’t lie about that, but there was nothing unlawful. I’d rather it was out in the open and clear everything up.

‘I was definitely victimised and if I wasn’t a footballer none of this would’ve happened. The girl wouldn’t have had a go at me but at least it made me realise I have a responsibility.

Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole was also arrested but was not subsequently prosecuted

‘She came out with a stupid story that didn’t add up and as soon as it’s in the press people label you as a rapist. I was being called a rapist during games and as a young lad it was very difficult to take on the chin.

‘I told my family that I couldn’t take the abuse I was getting and they said, ‘You put yourself in the muddle, you hung around these girls and have to fix it.’ The case affected me deeply but I maintained my innocence and knew I’d be cleared.

‘My ordeal changed me a lot and I’m determined to concentrate on football. It was a horrible time but also a learning experience. I’ve learned that I have a responsibility to be a role model and share what I’ve been through with younger footballers.’