Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy was charged by the Cheshire Constabulary with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Thursday, and has been suspended by the Premier League club pending an investigation.

Mendy has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at the Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday. An official statement issued by the Cheshire Police read, "The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Cheshire Constabulary to charge a man in connection with allegations of sexual assault. Benjamin Mendy, aged 27, has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to three complainants over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021. Mendy has been remanded in police custody and is set to appear at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday, Aug. 27."

Manchester City confirmed Mendy's suspension on Thursday. "Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation. The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete," the club's statement read.

Club statement.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 26, 2021