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Since football is the most widely viewed sport on the planet, footballers end up being role-models to people all across the globe. But the beautiful game and its players have been no strangers to controversy.
Of late, we have seen several accusations come to the fore and some of the top footballers in the world have been caught in the eye of the storm. Some of the crimes that these high-profile footballers have been accused of are quite heinous.
Some very serious allegations have been made against several high-profile footballers. Without further ado, let's take a look at five footballers who have been accused of serious crimes.
#5 Marcos Alonso
Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso had a run-in with the law on a serious count in 2011. He was playing for Bolton Wanderers at the time and was involved in a car crash in Madrid that led to the death of a co-passenger.
Investigators discovered Alonso driving at 122.8 kmph in wet conditions in a 50 kmph zone. Tests revealed that the Spaniard was drunk and had a blood alcohol level of 0.93 mg per milliliter of blood. That is three times the permissible alcohol level in Spain.
Alonso faced up to four years in prison but it was then changed to a 21 month sentence before it was dropped entirely. He went for an out-of-court settlement with the victim's family and paid them €500,000. Alonso was also given a driving ban of three years and four months.
#4 Ferland Mendy
Famous French journalist Romain Molina has revealed that Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy has been accused of some very serious crimes. Molina has a reputation for being a very reliable journalist and things are not looking great for Mendy right now.
Mendy allegedly used violence against a woman which included punching her and kicking her in the head. He has also been accused of flashing his genitals at the woman who had not consented to the act.
It has also been claimed that a friend of Mendy's tried to intervene but that did little to stop the Real Madrid man. The victim and a friend of hers reportedly had to lock themselves in the bathroom of a hotel room in fear for their safety.
Mendy is set to land in serious legal trouble should the victim choose to take action against him.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest names in the world of football. He is one of the greatest footballers of all time but he has alo been accused of a very serious crime.
It was reported in 2017 that the Las Vegas Police Department was running an investigation on Ronaldo after a woman alleged that he had raped her in 2009. The player's lawyers confirmed in 2019 Ronaldo had paid $375,000 to the woman in a non-disclosure settlement.
However, the Portuguese international and his legal team later issued a statement whereby all allegations were denied. They described the events as being part of a defamatory campaign and said that the allegations were all fabricated.
The Las Vegas prosecutors revealed via a statement in 2019 that they won't be charging Ronaldo for rape since it can't be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
"Based upon a review of information at this time, the allegations of sexual assault against Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
The Mirror came out with a report earlier this year in which it is claimed that the woman is seeking £56 million in damages from Cristiano Ronaldo in a civil suit.
#2 Quincy Promes
In a shocking turn of events this week, Netherlands international Quincy Promes has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his cousin. Dutch prosecutors revealed on Thursday that Promes is all set to be tried for a stabbing that took place last year.
Charges of attempted manslaughter have been filed against the 29-year-old. Promes was reportedly picked up by police in Amsterdam a year ago as a suspect in a case where a man was stabbed. He was released a couple of days later but has remained a suspect in the case.
Witnesses claim to have seen Promes stabbing a man who was his cousin. The incident occurred during a family reunion. The victim survived the attack but has sustained serious knee injuries.
Promes was playing for Ajax when the incident took place but has since moved to Spartak Moscow. A court date is yet to be set for the trial. Promes has made 360 appearances for various clubs in his domestic career, scoring 139 goals and providing 70 assists. He has also made 50 appearances for the Dutch national side as well.
#1 Benjamin Mendy
In August, Cheshire Constabulary charged Frenchman Benjamin Mendy with four counts of rape. There was an additional charge of sexual assault as well. It was reported just a few days ago that Mendy has now been charged with two more counts of rape.
Four complainants over the age of 16 have accused Mendy of these grievous crimes, which allegedly took place between October 2020 and August 2021. Mendy was denied bail and has been suspended by Manchester City pending a trial.
The trial date is set for 24 January 2022 and things are not looking good for Benjamin Mendy right now.
