Benjamin Mendy, found not guilty of rape and attempted rape in June in England, came on as a substitute for Lorient in the 70th minute of the Ligue 1 Matchday 5 match against Monaco on Sunday, in his first official match in more than two years .
The defender, world champion with France in 2018, who is no longer the subject of any prosecution by British justice since his acquittal, made his entrance to the cheers of the Lorient public just after a goal which allowed Monaco to take the advantage in the score (2-1).
Targeted by several complaints for rape, attempted rape and sexual assault, accusations which he has always contested, citing consensual relations which took place at his home, the former Manchester City player, immediately suspended by the English club, had been incarcerated in August 2021, spending four months in pre-trial detention.
His two successive acquittals during a first trial in January then during a second in June put an end to all the proceedings brought against him by the British justice system. The club kept the Longjumeau native away from any media requests, while he carried out fitness work before returning to the pitch, which he had not set foot on since August 15, 2021 and a match at Tottenham .
