NFL Star Arrested For 'Assaulting Fiancee'

An American football star has been arrested for domestic violence after allegedly assaulting his pregnant fiancee.

Ray McDonald, who plays for the San Francisco 49ers, was detained after police were called to his home where he was having a birthday party.

His partner showed officers bruising to her neck and arms, according to the San Jose Police Department.

McDonald was taken to Santa Clara County Jail where he was booked for "inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant".

He was later released on bail.

Responding to incident, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement: "The 49ers organisation is aware of the recent reports regarding Ray McDonald and we take such matters seriously. As we continue to gather the facts, we will reserve further comment."

His arrest comes just days after the NFL announced tougher penalties for players convicted of domestic violence.

The new rules were introduced in response to heavy criticism over the handling of the case involving Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.

The football star was given a two-game suspension after assaulting his now wife.

A video showed him dragging her from a lift at an Atlantic City casino.

In a letter sent to all 32 teams owners, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he "didn't get it right" in the Rice case.

Any player now found to have been involved in domestic violence or a sexual assault would be suspended for six games without pay.

Second time offenders would be banned from the league for at least a year.

The letter went on to say: "Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They have no place in the NFL and are unacceptable in any way, under any circumstances."

This is just the latest arrest of a 49er player. The team has had more arrests than any other NFL team since 2012 - McDonald's arrest is the 10th.