SEXUAL ASSAULT: MAN CITY'S BENJAMIN MENDY DENIES NINE OFFENCES INVOLVING SIX YOUNG WOMEN

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Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has denied nine sexual offences against six young women.

As the allegations were read to him and he entered his first pleas, Mendy, 27, stood in the dock at Chester Crown Court and repeated “not guilty.”

Seven allegations of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of attempted rape, all involving six complainants, are all denied by the French international.

All of the offences are said to have occurred between October 2018 and August 2021 at his home address.

Mendy entered his pleas during a hearing on Monday in preparation for his trial later this year.

On July 25, he and his co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, will face a jury after entering not guilty pleas to all charges.

Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, has been charged with eight charges of rape and four counts of sexual assault involving eight young women.

His alleged crimes occurred between July 2012 and August 2021.

The Honorary Recorder of Chester, Judge Steven Everett, reminded reporters in the press box, including international media, that none of the ladies involved must be identified, and that there are reporting restrictions in place prior to the trial.

The hearing moved into private session after both defendants entered their pleas, with the press restricted from the courtroom.

Mendy has been with Manchester City since 2017, when he moved for a record £52 million from Monaco.

After being charged by police, he was suspended by the club.

Both defendants are on bail.