Five more Man City players may testify in Benjamin Mendy’s rape trial

Jurors in the rape trial of Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy were today questioned about if they knew five other stars who may be cited or testify in the case.

The names of Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, and John Stones – all of whom now or have played for City – were read out to the panel of jurors being picked for the trial at Chester Crown Court. The possible jurors, chosen from a pool of 38, were given a list of persons who may be witnesses or be mentioned during the trial and asked whether they had any relationship to them or knew them personally.

Before being chosen for the case, they heard the identities of the complainants and were asked whether they had any ties to Manchester City, Manchester United, or police agencies.

Mendy is accused with eight charges of rape, one of sexual assault, and one of attempted rape. Seven ladies are charged with all of the offenses.

He will stand trial with co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, who has also pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, is accused of eight charges of rape and four counts of sexual assault on eight young women. ‘There are 22 counts or charges, if you are feeling overwhelmed by that, I can guarantee you will be receiving a lot of support on how you will approach it,’ said Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester, addressing the jury this afternoon.

‘Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed by it. This study might go until November. Judge Everett had already informed the jurors, ‘Perhaps you have heard their names.’ Some of you may be aware that Mr Mendy is a professional footballer who now plays for Manchester City.’

All of the offenses are said to have occurred at his home address between October 2018 and August of last year.

His alleged offenses occurred between July 2012 and August of last year.

Prior to the trial, none of the women involved must be named, and reporting limitations apply.

Mendy has been at 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 have been released on bail.