Man City’s Benjamin Mendy charged with four counts of rape

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy, 27, has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against three complainants aged over 16, Cheshire Constabulary said.

In a statement, the force said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Cheshire Constabulary to charge a man in connection with allegations of sexual assault.

‘Benjamin Mendy, aged 27, has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

‘The charges relate to three complainants over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

‘Mendy, of Withinlee Road, Prestbury, has been remanded in police custody and is set to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27 August.’

In a statement of their own, meanwhile, the Premier League champions said: ‘Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.

‘The matter is subject to a legal process and the Club is, therefore, unable to make further comment until that process is complete.’

Mendy joined City from Monaco four years ago following a £52million transfer and has made 50 Premier League appearances for the club, winning five major honours during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

The 27-year-old featured in City’s Community Shield defeat against Leicester City earlier this month and in the 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in their Premier League opener.

Mendy was, however, left out of the side which beat Norwich City 5-0 last weekend and has been suspended by his club ahead of Saturday’s match against Arsenal.