Benjamin Mendy Returns to Football After Two-Year Absence, Cleared of Rape Allegations, and Makes Ligue 1 Comeback as a Substitute for Lorient

Benjamin Mendy has made his return to football after two years out of the game.

The former Manchester City and France defender came off the bench for Lorient as a second half substitute against ex-side Monaco in Ligue 1.

Mendy, 29, had been accused of carrying out sex attacks on two women at his £4million mansion.

He was cleared after three hours of deliberation by a jury at Chester Crown Court in July – and broke down in the dock afterwards before saying he was ‘delighted’ with the not guilty verdicts.

He came on as a substitute for Lorient in the 71st minute of their game on Sunday.

More to follow.