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Josan Ferrández, captain of Martín Anselmi's Elche, was arrested on Tuesday night in Callosa de Segura on allegations of domestic abuse against his wife.
The right-winger spent the night in the cells at the local Civil Guard station before appearing on Wednesday morning before Orihuela's Violence Against Women Court No. 1, where he testified before the presiding judge.
According to sources close to the couple, who have two daughters and are currently going through a separation, the relationship had been turbulent. The arrest was prompted by evidence presented in the victim's complaint, notably demeaning WhatsApp messages and photographs displaying bruises allegedly caused by the reported assaults.
Widely regarded as an Elche legend, having signed a one-year contract extension last summer, Josan now remains at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
Elche addressed the situation via an internal briefing rather than an official club statement, as Spanish media noted: "Regarding Josan, we inform that there are no open legal proceedings against him for domestic abuse, nor is there any active complaint regarding these facts. The player is at home and going about his routine as normal," as quoted by sports daily AS.
The winger's arrest comes on the heels of another recent legal issue involving the Spanish club. Last season, Elche signed Rafa Mir while he was facing charges of sexual assault and battery, for which he was subsequently sentenced to eight years in prison.
The forward, who has appealed the ruling, is currently on loan from Sevilla at Greek club Aris Thessaloniki.
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