Pep Guardiola backed Manchester City’s brief statement after Benjamin Mendy was found NOT guilty of five rape charges, one count of attempted rape and a separate accusation of sexual assault.
Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape, allegedly committed against four women, and not guilty of one count of sexual assault against a fifth. Jurors were unable to reach verdicts on a further count of rape, and another count of attempted rape; a retrial will take place on June 26 for these counts.
Manchester City’s statement at the conclusion of Mendy’s trial, shortly before Guardiola’s press conference, stated: “Manchester City FC notes the verdict from Chester Crown Court today, where a jury has found Benjamin Mendy not guilty of seven charges. The jury is hung on two charges and the trial is now over.
“Given there are open matters related to this case, the Club is not in a position to comment further at this time.”
Guardiola was asked about the developments on Friday, but pointed to the official word from the club as all he was willing to say on the matter before moving onto questions about the derby on Saturday.
“The club have made a statement,” he said. “I’m not allowed to say anything else so please take the statement as my words.”
