Benjamin Mendy cleared of all charges against him

• Benjamin Mendy walked free from Chester Crown Court on Friday following the acquittal in his second trial
• The footballer, whose contract with Manchester City expired this month, broke down in tears as the not guilty verdicts were read on Friday

The biggest news in the football world at the moment is that of Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of rape and attempted rape.

Benjamin Mendy walked free from Chester Crown Court on Friday following the acquittal in his second trial stemming from two charges left undecided from a previous proceeding in court.

Benjamin Mendy. Photo/ BBC.

The former Manchester City man was in January not found guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, jurors at the time did not decide on two charges which resulted in the second trial.

One woman accused Mendy of attacking her at his mansion in Mottram St Andrew, Chesire in October 2020. The 28-year-old former France international was also accused of the attempted rape of another woman, who said he had molested her two years before.

The jury of six men and six women deliberated for more than three hours before reaching their conclusion on the two remaining charges against Mendy. Judge Steven Everett said: “Mr Mendy can be discharged from the dock.”

The footballer, whose contract with Manchester City expired this month, broke down in tears as the not guilty verdicts were read on Friday.

Benjamin Mendy will now have to decide what he does next with his football career after being cleared of all charges against him. Outside court, Mendy said, “Alhamdulillah,” an Arabic word which translates to “praise be to God”.

The Crown Prosecution Services (CPS), which brought the charges against Mendy said in a statement that it respects the decision of the jury.

Mendy issued a brief statement through his lawyers after being set free but did not state whether he plans to return to professional football or not.

“It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life.” The statement released by Benjamin Mendy read, as per Manchester Evening News.

Benjamin Mendy was first arrested in November 2020 after a young woman accused him of raping her a few weeks earlier. Mendy had met the woman in a bar in Alderley Edge alongside former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard.

Mendy was released under investigation but once again arrested after a second woman reported him to the police. The woman accused him of sexually assaulting her at a party at his home in January 2021.

Mendy was bailed on the condition that he did not hold parties at his home again. At that time, he continued to play for Manchester City. Things got worse for the former France international on 26 August when he was remanded to prison. It was at that time that Manchester City suspended him and stopped paying his wages.

Benjamin Mendy news. Photo/ Transfermarkt