Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay show support to Benjamin Mendy as ex-Man City man is cleared of rape

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Former Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay were among a number of former and current Premier League players to show support for Benjamin Mendy. </p>

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The 28-year-old was cleared of raping a young women and attempting to rape another, with the ex Premier League star acquitted of all charges of sexual assault. </p>

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Mendy was initially arrested almost two years ago following rape accusations at his home. </p>

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Last January, the player was cleared of one count of sexual assault and six counts of rape in a trial which last six months. </p>

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The second trial came to an end on Friday, with Mendy reacting emotionally and even breaking down in tears as the not-guilty verdict was delivered. </p>

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In a statement outside of the Chester Crown Court, Mendy's lawyer asked for 'privacy' in order for the player to begin rebuilding his life. </p>

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Mendy's contract with Manchester City came to an end earlier this month, leaving the player as a free agent. </p>

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The defender has not played for the European champions since August 2021 - the time of his initial arrest. </p>

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Mendy's French teammate Paul Pogba - with whom he won the 2018 World Cup - wrote on Instagram: "Al Hamdullilah [Praise be to God]. </p>

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"So happy for you bro. All the people that were talking bad about you, NOW I wanna see them cleaning your name. Can't wait to see you on the pitch again." </p>

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Memphis Depay also came out in support of Mendy, saying: "All cases dismissed. So what are we doing now? Who is going to help this brother heal? Who's going to be responsible for the damage to his name? </p>

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"How is he going to have his career back? Many years of investment to become a professional football player… now what!? </p>

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"I've never touched on this subject because I didn't know all the details, but I've spoken to him once through FaceTime while behind bars and faced him on the pitch a couple times… I didn't see any evil in the man. </p>

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"We can't accept this to happen to us as athletes. </p>

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"Who's going to stand up for us in the time of need, not when the damage is already done? </p>

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"Don't turn your head away people! </p>

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"FIFA, Premier League, Man City, France - who's f****** defending us athletes? Where are the big corporations when we need them? </p>

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"Let's all pray for Benjamin to get his mental health, physical and spiritual strength back!" </p>

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Toni Rudiger, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jack Grealish were among players to show support in the comments section of Depay's post. </p>

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<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/paul-pogba-memphis-depay-show-support-benjamin-mendy-man-city-man-cleared-rape">Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay show support to Benjamin Mendy as ex-Man City man is cleared of rape </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>