Arson suspected

German Bundesliga team Bayern Munich were one player down on Saturday after Brazilian defender Breno was arrested on suspicion of burning down his own house.

The 21-year-old from Sao Paolo was taken into custody after indications that a blaze at the player's luxury home last week was not accidental. Munich prosecutors said he is now facing charges of "grave arson" and was detained for "fear of flight and danger of suppression of evidence."

Breno's villa in the exclusive Grünwald district of Munich was destroyed in the blaze last Tuesday, causing up to 1.5 million euros ($2.05 million) in damages.

The Bundesliga player fled the fire, thought to have started in a guest room in the basement, and was briefly hospitalized for smoke inhalation. His wife and the couple's three children were not home at the time of the fire and Breno was alone in the house.

Psychological help

In a statement released to the Münchner Merkur newspaper, Bayern Munich expressed their shock at the latest developments, adding they had advised the player to seek psychological help.

"Those in charge of the club have been taking care of Breno and his family around the clock and will continue to do so," said Bayern in a statement.

"We are surprised by the new situation, but as we have no further information, we cannot comment further."

Breno, whose full name is Vinicius Rodrigues Borges, joined Germany's Bundesliga favorites in 2008 at the age of 18.

Bayern Munich are currently top of Germany's football league although Breno was yet to make an appearance this season due to a knee injury.

Author: Charlotte Chelsom-Pill (dpa, AFP, AP)
Editor: Kyle James