Benjamin Mendy: Manchester City footballer remanded in custody on rape charges

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault.

The 27-year-old defender is accused of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at his home in Cheshire.

The charges relate to three complainants and alleged incidents between October 2020 and August 2021.

Mr Mendy spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth at Chester Magistrates' Court.

No pleas were entered as the charges were put to the footballer.

He also faces one count of breaking his bail conditions in August.

It is alleged, after being released on 26 July this year, he broke a condition by having more than four people present at his home.

Proceedings were relayed back to the French international via an interpreter.

Mr Mendy will next appear before Chester Crown Court on 10 September.

The left-back has played for last season's Premier League champions since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52m.

In a statement on Thursday, Manchester City said the club had suspended the player pending an investigation.

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