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    France international Wissam Ben Yedder charged with rape after two women ‘sexually assaulted after night out’

    A FRANCE international has been charged with rape after two women were allegedly sexually assaulted on a night out. AS Monaco forward Wissam Ben Yedder and his brother are both facing a probe by prosecutors in the French city of Nice.
    Wissam Ben Yedder has made 19 caps for France – with his last being in 2022Credit: Getty
    Both men are charged with “rape, attempted rape and sexual assault” over alleged acts committed on the Cote d’Azur last month, officials said on Friday.
    Ben Yedder has been placed under judicial supervision and had to pay bail of 900,000 euros (£776,000).
    In July, public prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme confirmed “the existence of two allegations of rape, from two victims, targeting two people”.
    According to radio station France Info, two women, aged 19 and 20, accused Ben Yedder and his younger brother, of having “forced them into sexual acts” after a night out.

    Ben Yedder’s brother has also been indicted on the same charges.
    The 32-year-old Wissam Ben Yedder has won 19 caps for France but last played international football in June 2022.
    He was named for on the standby list for France’s world cup winning squad in 2018.
    Ben Yedder, who previously played for Toulouse and Sevilla, has scored 98 goals for Monaco since joining the principality club in 2019.
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    He was sold to the club from Sevilla for nearly £35million.
    And he was the joint Ligue 1 top scorer on his first season back alongside PSG’s Kylian Mbappe as he found the net 18 times.
    The player was present at training with Monaco on Friday ahead of their Ligue 1 season opener against Clermont on Sunday.
    AS Monaco star Ben Yedder has been charged with rapeCredit: AFP
    He was the Ligue 1 joint top scorer in 2019Credit: Reuters More

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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond pleads not guilty to rape and sex assault

    SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has today denied rape and will now stand trial. The footballer, 23, is accused of attacking a woman on two separate occasions at a home in Tyne and Wear.
    Jack Diamond has today denied rapeCredit: Getty
    He had previously denied sexual assault at a different hearing, and has now pleaded not guilty to rape.
    Diamond will now stand trial in the Newcastle Crown Court on January 2 next year.
    The player, of Fatfield, Washington, had his conditional bail extended.
    Lincoln City, where he had been on loan, terminated his loan stay.
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    Important reason behind Man Utd’s decision to delay Mason Greenwood announcement is revealed

    MANCHESTER Utd has revealed the important reason it is delaying an announcement about Mason Greenwood’s future. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    The announcement around Mason Greenwood’s future at Man Utd has been delayedCredit: PA
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    Greenwood had been suspended by while Utd undergoes its own investigation.
    Fans had been expecting the club to have made a decision by now, but it has now been revealed why there’s a delay.
    Utd is said to still be consulting with sponsors and football staff before it makes the announcement.
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    The club is said to be in talks with the entire department – including the women’s team.
    It comes after boss Erik ten Hag today gave an update – but didn’t mention Greenwood once.
    He spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
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    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag avoids commenting on Mason Greenwood as star striker’s future hangs in the balance

    MAN Utd boss Erik ten Hag has today avoided commenting on Mason Greenwood as the star’s future hangs in the balance. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Erik ten Hag is today giving an update on Man UtdCredit: Getty
    It comes as Utd fans wait to hear what Mason Greenwood’s football future holdsCredit: Getty
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    The Man Utd boss this afternoon gave an update on the club, with eager fans waiting to hear what the future holds for Greenwood.
    However, ten Hag did not comment on the suspended striker – nor was he asked about him.
    The club is expected to soon make a decision on his future and it was today revealed why the announcement was being delayed.
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    Utd manager ten Hag spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
    Most read in Football
    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    The United boss also said the club was happy with their new striker Rasmus Højlund.
    He said: “First of all, we have chosen a striker and we are really happy with our choice.
    “He’s [Kane] a great striker, clear, a goal maker and apart from that he has all the conditions and abilities what you want to see in a striker. It’s a miss for the Premier League, absolutely.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
    Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
    It comes as manager ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the footballer back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
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    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.” More

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    Blow for Mason Greenwood as Man Utd release provisional squad numbers list… and he’s NOT on it

    MASON Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on it. The striker, 21, has been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 and not kicked a ball for them since his arrest.
    Mason Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on itCredit: AFP
    Greenwood was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, before the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
    And Utd are expected to make their decision on his future in the coming days.
    Greenwood could have his contract terminated, be put back into the first team, loaned out or sold.
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    And today the club released provisional squad numbers for the new season.
    Football fans are convinced the baller has already made a decision on his football future.
    Speculation online is growing with fans suspecting the player will move to the Jamaican national team after he was spotted in the kit.
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    It comes as a row over Greenwood’s future at the club was sparked.
    Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
    “They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.”
    It is not the first time Greenwood has been spotted training outside of Carrington.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    Read More on The Sun
    In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
    Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
    Man United provisional squad numbers
    2. Victor Lindelof
    5. Harry Maguire
    6. Lisandro Martinez
    7. Mason Mount
    8. Bruno Fernandes
    9. Anthony Martial
    10. Marcus Rashford
    12. Tyrell Malacia
    14. Cristian Eriksen
    16. Amad Diallo
    17. Fred
    18. Casemiro
    19. Raphael Varane
    20. Diogo Dalot
    21. Antony
    22. Tom Heaton (Goalkeeper)
    23. Luke Shaw
    24. Andre Onana (Goalkeeper)
    25. Jadon Sancho
    26. Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper)
    28. Facundo Pellistri
    29. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    33. Brandon Williams
    34. Donny van de Beek
    37. Kobbie Mainoo
    39. Scott McTominay
    49. Alejandro Garnacho More

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    Ryan Giggs goes shopping with girlfriend Zara Charles as couple enjoy day out together in posh Cheshire

    RYAN Giggs has been spotted shopping with his girlfriend Zara Charles as the pair enjoy a day out together in Cheshire.The former Manchester United star, 49, was seen looking casual in a black gym t-shirt and shorts and held a bag full of shopping.
    Prem legend Giggs was pictured out and about in Cheshire in all black sports gearCredit: Splash
    Zara wore her gym gear and had sunglasses perched on top of her headCredit: Splash
    Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles chatted together while out in CheshireCredit: Splash
    While 34-year-old Zara dressed sportily in a tight fitting cropped white t-shirt and a pair of running shorts.
    The model also had a pair of sunglasses perched on their head and clasped a small bag.
    The couple seemed to be enjoying the sunshine together as they made another public appearance.
    Giggs and his girlfriend were recently seen in public together in July after the footballer’s retrial collapsed.
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    Last month prosecutors dropped the retrial against Prem legend Giggs, which was due to take place on July 31.
    The former Man Utd ace, 48, was accused of assaulting Kate Greville, 36, at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
    He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
    But Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
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    Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
    He added: “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man”.
    In May, the couple were pictured enjoying the sunshine as Giggs visited a hairdresser.
    They were also spotted attending Salford’s League Two defeat to Leyton Orient in April.
    Ryan Giggs made 672 appearances for Manchester United between 1990 and 2014.
    The former-midfielder is one of only 28 players in football history to have been capped over 1,000 times.
    He managed the Wales national team from 2018-2022 and in 2014 took over League Two side Salford City alongside a raft of Man United legends
    Giggs made another public appearance after his retrial was scrappedCredit: Splash More

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    Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5M isolated mansion as ex-Man City star puts home on market

    HERE are the lavish rooms inside the £5million mansion now put up for sale for Benjamin Mendy as he bids to avoid bankruptcy.Pictures have been revealed exploring the isolated home where footballer Mendy lived while playing for Manchester City when prosecuted for and ultimately cleared of alleged rape charges.
    Benjamin Mendy’s £5million Cheshire mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Mercury
    The World Cup-winning defender has not played for Manchester City since 2021Credit: Getty
    His seven-bedroom gated home also features a swimming poolCredit: Mercury
    The World Cup winner, 29, has now put the gated property in Cheshire on the market – while also claiming up to £10million in unpaid wages from City for time he spent suspended from playing.
    He is being chased for an £800,000 tax debt by HMRC, who are seeking a bankruptcy order.
    His accountant has now told a court hearing Mendy was seeking “in the order of nine to 10million pounds gross” from the Premier League winners.
    Mendy’s home in Cheshire has been put on the market by estate agent Savills for £5million as the star attempts to claw back costs.
    Read More On Manchester City
    Glimpses inside the home were previously made public while he was in the dock before being cleared of all charges.
    Drone footage was played at Chester Crown Court last August including aerial shots above Mendy’s home 17 miles south of central Manchester.
    Jurors were also shown a police bodycam “walk-through” inside.
    Footage featured the ground floor including a swimming pool, jacuzzi and cinema room – while the property also featured an indoor football pitch.
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    Mendy has since made a comeback to football following his acquittal at Chester Crown Court last month.
    The France defender, on the bench when his country beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, has signed for Lorient who play in Ligue 1.
    Mendy left Man City by mutual consent in June at the expiry of his contract – having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
    The footballer wept after being cleared of rape and attempted rape on July 14.
    A jury acquitted him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018.
    He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in a bedroom at his Cheshire home two years later.
    He celebrated his freedom that evening with pals by going out.
    And he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, two days later for a kickabout with strangers.
    Mendy had last played for City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 before being suspended by the club later that month when he was arrested.
    Mendy is seeking a buyer as he battles for unpaid wages from CityCredit: Mercury
    The France international footballer walked free from court last monthCredit: AFP
    Footage inside the property was shown to jurors when Mendy was on trialCredit: Mercury
    The home is about 17 miles from central ManchesterCredit: Mercury
    Mendy signed for French top-flight club Lorient last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    Benjamin Mendy flogging £5m mansion to avoid bankruptcy as ex-Man City star chases club for up to £10m in unpaid wages

    BENJAMIN Mendy is selling his £5million home and chasing Man City for millions to avoid bankruptcy after his retrial hell, a court heard.The ex-Man City star, 29, who was cleared of rape and attempted rape, has not been paid by the club since September 2021.
    Benjamin Mendy is attempting to avoid bankruptcyCredit: AFP
    He is now being chased for an £800,000 tax debt by HMRC, who are seeking a bankruptcy order.
    The court was told Mendy’s agent is “in negotiations with Manchester City to get back pay on the basis that he has been found not guilty”.
    His accountant said he was seeking “in the order of nine to 10 million pounds gross” from the Premier League winners.
    Mendy’s home in Cheshire has also been put on the market by estate agent Savills for £5million as the star attempts to claw back costs from his court battle.
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    His accountant, who wasn’t named, said: “He was very short of money indeed, the cost of the legal case were over one million pounds.”
    Mendy has moved to France after being handed a contract by French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.
    He left City when his contract expired in June after not playing for the club since his arrest in 2021.
    City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
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    His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
    The court was told his debt to HMRC is £788,409.
    Judge Clive Jones said: “I’m very unimpressed at the lack of information that’s been provided both to HMRC and to the court prior to this hearing.
    “That, I really think, is the wrong step for him to take.”
    The proceedings were adjourned until October 4 to allow time for Mendy to sell his home.
    The star wept as he was cleared of one count of rape and one of attempted rape last month.
    Mendy, who said the encounters were consensual, was previously found not guilty on a string of other charges following a trial.
    The ex-City star is chasing the club for his wages More