Benjamin Mendy Cleared of Rape and Attempted Rape Charges
Footballers around the world have expressed their support for Benjamin Mendy after the former Manchester City player was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape charges. Mendy, 28, broke down in tears as the verdicts were read out on Friday afternoon, following his earlier acquittal of six rapes at an earlier trial in January.
Paul Pogba, a former international teammate of Mendy, posted an image of a smiling Mendy on a video call on Instagram, calling for the footballer’s name to be ‘cleaned’ following Friday’s verdict. Atletico Madrid forward Memphis Depay also shared his support in a lengthy message with Rio Ferdinand, Jack Grealish, Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso among the many applauding his words.
The verdict marks the end of a long and difficult legal battle for Mendy, who had been accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his Cheshire mansion in 2020 and the attempted rape of another woman two years earlier.
Mendy’s acquittal has been met with widespread support from footballers around the world, with many calling for his name to be cleared and for him to be allowed to resume his career. Pogba wrote: “Al Hamdulilah [praise be to God in Arabic]. So happy for you bro…all the people that was talking bad about you now I wanna see them cleaning your name. Can’t wait to see you on the pitch again.”
Depay echoed Pogba’s sentiments, writing: “Who is going to help this brother heal? Who’s going to be Responsible for the damage on he’s name? How he’s going to have he’s career back? Many years of investment to become a professional football player…. Now what!? We can’t accept this to happen to us as athletes. Who’s going to stand up for us in the time of need not when the damage is already done? Don’t turn your head people.”
Mendy’s acquittal marks a new chapter in his life and career, and it is clear that he has the full support of his fellow footballers as he moves forward. As he looks to rebuild his career, it is hoped that he will be given the opportunity to do so without any further prejudice or stigma attached to his name.