Former Man City defender Benjamin Mendy scores on his first start since returning to France after being cleared of rape allegations

Former Manchester City full back Benjamin Mendy scored in Lorient’s 4-2 defeat by Marseille on Sunday on his first start since being cleared of rape and attempted rape earlier this year.

Mendy, who became City’s most expensive defender in their history when he joined for £52million in 2017, returned to his homeland on a free transfer in July, just days after being acquitted of raping two women.

He has made five substitute appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit this season, and was finally handed his first start on Sunday.  

Having been booked in the first half, he netted seven minutes after the break to give his side a glimmer of hope.

However, Lorient were unable to get back into the match as they slumped to a home defeat.

It was his first start since the former Man City defender was cleared of rape in July

Mendy’s side still lost at home as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice for Marseille

Mendy was overshadowed by ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who scored twice, while former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba also got on the scoresheet in a comprehensive victory for Marseille.

Mendy was replaced with 10 minutes remaining as Marseille saw out the game to seal all three points on the road.

The result leaves Lorient 16th in the Ligue 1 table, just two points above bottom club Lyon, while Marseille jump to sixth. 

The 2018 World Cup winner is looking to sue former club City for £10m in unpaid wages after they stopped paying his salary when he was accused of rape in September 2021.

His final appearance for the club came in August 2021, and he was not considered for selection before being released when his contract expired in June.

He was cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a court case in January, and was then acquitted of two further counts of rape six…