Benjamin Mendy: Man City defender charged by police, suspended by club

Manchester City have confirmed that the club has suspended Benjamin Mendy after the defender was charged by police with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Mendy, 27, has been suspended by Man City pending an investigation into the charges, which relate to incidents that are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

Mendy, who joined City from AS Monaco in 2017, is due to appear in court on Friday. The left-back played against Tottenham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but didn’t feature against Norwich on Saturday.

A statement released by Cheshire Constabulary on Thursday read: “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.

“Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Mendy are live and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”

A club statement released following the news read: "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."