Benjamin Mendy charged with further count of rape

An order preventing the media from publishing the latest charge has been lifted

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a further count of rape, meaning the 27-year-old now stands accused of eight counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape, relating to seven women. Mendy denied all charges against him in court last week. An order had prohibited media from publishing the latest charge, which relates to a new complainant, but has now been lifted during a hearing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday. The alleged offences took place at Mendy's home address between October 2018 and August 2021. Along with co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, he is set to stand trial before a jury on July 25. Matturie denies eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault relating to eight women. His alleged offences took place between July 2012 and August 2021. Mendy, who joined City from Monaco in 2017, has been suspended by the club since he was charged by police. Both he and Matturie are currently on bail. Related links:

• Benjamin Mendy pleads not guilty to nine charges of sexual offences
• Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy allowed to skip pre-trial hearing
• Benjamin Mendy accused of nine offences relating to six women