Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy denies further rape charge

Mendy denies eight counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of attempted rape

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has pleaded not guilty to another charge of rape.

The Frenchman entered the plea at a court hearing on Wednesday as he prepares for his trial at Chester Crown Court to begin later this week.

The 28-year-old denies eight counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of attempted rape, the hearing was told.

Mendy pleaded not guilty in May to all but the latest charge, which was put to him on Wednesday.

The footballer’s trial is expected to last more than three months. The offences against seven women are alleged to have taken place at Mendy’s home between October 2018 and August 2021.

Mendy will go on trial alongside co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, who has also denied the allegations. Matturie denies eight counts of rape and four of sexual assault, relating to eight women, between July 2012 and August 2021.