Benjamin Mendy Faces Another Problem in Lorient
Benjamin Mendy, a former Manchester City defender, may have been acquitted of rape allegations, but the repercussions of the incident appear to be casting a prolonged shadow over his career.
As he embarked on a new chapter with his current club, Lorient, Mendy encountered a less-than-welcoming reception from certain factions of the supporters. Ahead of Lorient’s home fixture in Ligue 1, a group of fans unveiled banners referencing three Ligue 1 players, including the newly-acquired Benjamin Mendy. The banners spotlighted Mendy, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and AS Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder, all of whom have faced accusations related to sexual crimes.
As reported by French sports agency Le Télégramme, the banners were displayed at Lorient’s Grand Théâtre steps adjacent to Les Merlus’ Stade du Moustoir. The banners bore the message, “What is the justice system doing? B. Mendy, A. Hakimi, W. Ben Yedder. No forgetting. No forgiveness.”
Notably, Benjamin Mendy was acquitted of all charges pertaining to sexual crimes last month, following a thorough examination by the Chester Crown Court. Shortly after the verdict, Mendy finalized his transfer to Ligue 1 by committing to a two-year contract with FC Lorient.
In a parallel situation, Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain right-back, has faced allegations of rape made by a 24-year-old woman in February of this year. Subsequently, Hakimi was charged in connection with the case, and investigations are currently underway. Similarly, AS Monaco’s forward Wissam Ben Yedder has also been embroiled in allegations of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Despite the legal outcomes of these cases varying, the incident has highlighted the complex intersections of sport, justice, and public perception, raising important questions about the responsibilities of athletes and the relationship between allegations and reputations in the realm of professional sports.
