Mario Lemina posts Instagram story suggesting support for Benjamin Mendy

Mendy is currently held on remand at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool

Mario Lemina has posted an Instagram story suggesting support for Benjamin Mendy, who is facing six counts of rape and one of sexual assault which relate to four complainants over the age of 16. Mendy, 27, who is currently held on remand at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, will remain in prison until his trial for sexual assault and rape, which is set to take place early next year on January 24. He was charged in August, with the charges relating to three complainants over the age of 16 and alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021. He has been denied bail on several occasions. Mendy appeared in court charged with two more counts of rape on Wednesday November 17, appearing by video-link at Manchester Magistrates Court. During the five-minute hearing - which was delayed due to technical issues - he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. On Tuesday - the same day that Mendy was charged with two additional counts of rape - former Fulham midfielder Lemina posted an Instagram story of Mendy, accompanied by four 'strong' emojis. Although there is no caption alongside the image, it can be suggested that the Gabon international is showing his support for the Manchester City defender. Lemina moved to Nice for a reported fee of €5.5m in the summer, leaving Southampton after playing 52 times for the Premier League side since joining in 2017. City has suspended the former Monaco man while the investigation continues and will remain suspended until the legal proceedings have been concluded. Related links:

• Benjamin Mendy charged with two additional counts of rape
• Benjamin Mendy has been denied bail, will remain in prison until trial
• Benjamin Mendy to remain in prison until January 24