Bournemouth Withdraw Alex Jimenez After Social Media Allegations
AFC Bournemouth have withdrawn right-back Alex Jimenez from their Premier League squad to face Fulham after screenshots allegedly showing the defender communicating with a teenage girl began circulating on social media.
The images, which started spreading online on Friday night, reportedly show the Spain Under-21 international exchanging messages with a minor before sending a self-portrait from inside his car, accompanied by a suggestive caption. Once the posts surfaced, Bournemouth moved quickly.
By Saturday, the club had confirmed that Jimenez, 21, would play no part at Craven Cottage while the matter is examined.
In a brief but pointed statement, the club said: “AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez. The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated. 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.”
No further details have been given, and the investigation remains internal at this stage.
A cloud over a landmark season
The development lands at an awkward moment for Andoni Iraola, in the middle of what has been a landmark campaign for Bournemouth.
Jimenez has been a fixture in Iraola’s side, making 32 appearances this season and scoring in the dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool in January. His energy on the right and consistency across the campaign have been central to Bournemouth’s push towards what would be a first-ever European qualification.
The defender arrived from AC Milan on loan last September in a deal that included a £15 million obligation to buy. Bournemouth triggered that clause earlier this year, a clear signal of how central he had become to their plans.
Now, on the eve of another key league fixture, Iraola must reshuffle without one of his regular starters, while the club waits for answers to a very different set of questions.
