FOOTBALLER Olivier Bernard will not face any charges over allegations that he raped a teenage girl, it has been revealed.

French international Bernard and four others were arrested after claims by the 16-year-old following a night out on Newcastle Quayside in April.

The alleged rape was said to have taken place in a Newcastle flat.

Police, who mounted a three-month investigation, last night said none of the men would be charged.

A decision to take no further action against them was taken on advice from the Crown Prosecution Service on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence.

Bernard had been out celebrating Newcastle United's 1-0 derby victory against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Bernard, an attacking left-back, joined Newcastle United from Lyon in 2000.

He spent a short time on loan at Darlington in 2001, and signed a three-year contract at St James's Park in July last year