Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy faces attempted rape charge

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has appeared in court to face a new allegation of attempted rape. The 27-year-old, who has been suspended by his club, appeared in the dock at Chester Crown Court, where a judge ruled that the new charge the France international faces can now be reported. Mendy now faces nine charges in all, including seven counts of rape involving six alleged victims. At the pre-trial hearing, Judge Patrick Thompson urged lawyers to ensure there is no delay and that the case will be ready as he set a date for a trial, estimated to last up to six weeks, starting on July 25.