Mamelodi Sundowns star midfielder Andile Jali spent Monday night in police cells following his arrest for domestic violence.
The 28-year-old former Orlando Pirates player was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife Nonhle Ndala at their home in the east of Pretoria.
Police said the severity of his charges did not warrant his release and he spent the night in custody until his court appearance, which was expected to take place on Tuesday.
Jali also faces charges of malicious damage to property for allegedly damaging Ndala's vehicle.
Police said despite officials from Jali's team Sundowns descending on the Boschkop police station in Pretoria East to demand his release, the request was denied due to "the seriousness of the charges" against the the midfielder.