Former Manchester Metropolis star Benjamin Mendy is suing his previous membership for £11 million in again pay, after they stopped his £500,000-a-month wage following his arrest on rape fees in 2021.
Mendy, a French World Cup winner, claims his contract meant he ought to have continued receiving his astronomical wages, even whereas he was behind bars on remand for breaching bail situations.
However attorneys for Manchester Metropolis argued the 30-year-old defender thought he may “behave as irresponsibly as he liked” throughout Covid lockdowns, internet hosting wild events at his £4.6 million mansion, and nonetheless preserve incomes his huge wage.
The tribunal heard how Mendy’s antics, which noticed him remanded in custody a number of instances, made it unattainable for him to coach or play – the core duties of his contract.
Metropolis claimed Mendy’s “culpability was very clear” and that he had “contributed to the state of affairs” that left him unable to carry out. They mentioned it wasn’t about self-discipline, however the reality he couldn’t do his job.
Mendy’s lawyer argued a number of different Metropolis stars, together with Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling, additionally attended the lockdown events. However the tribunal was instructed their behaviour didn’t stop them from being “ready, able and willing” to play.
The previous £52 million signing was ultimately cleared of seven rapes and two sexual assaults after two trials. However Metropolis insist they have been proper to cease his wages, saying he had introduced the membership into disrepute.
Employment Choose Joanne Dunlop will rule on the case at a later date. If Mendy wins, it may set a harmful precedent permitting gamers to flout guidelines and nonetheless receives a commission.
