MK Dons player Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has appeared in court, where he has denied claims he assaulted his wife.
The former Premier League ace stands accused of attacking his wife, Saira Mendez-Laing, while they were in their home in Shenstone, Staffordshire. The incident was alleged to have taken place in June.
Court appearance and charges
He was arrested and charged with assault by beating after the police were called to their house. In magistrates' court on Friday September 11, he denied one count of assault by beating.
Mendez-Laing was on crutches as he arrived wearing a black suit with white shirt. During his appearance at Cannock magistrates' court, he only confirmed his name, age and address.
In August, it's understood the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges.
Bail and trial date
The MK Dons ace was freed on conditional bail by the court. This was granted by District Judge Joseph O'Connor, who also stated the player will stand trial next January.
Mendez-Laing made 20 Premier League appearances for Cardiff City, where he contributed four goals and one assist.
Career and background
He now plays for the Dons in League One, having moved to the club from Derby County last summer. While he was born in Birmingham, he is a Guatemala international.
He qualifies for the Central American country, who he has amassed 20 caps with, as both his mother and grand mother hail from the Latin American nation.
The player chose to represent Guatemala having previously made appeared for the England U17s when he was a youngster.
Throughout his career, the wide midfielder has also represented Wolverhampton Wanderers, Peterborough, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Cambridge United, Rochdale, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.
Mendez-Lain and Saira married in June last year. After they tied the knot, the Dons uploaded a congratulatory post on the club's social media accounts.
His club have said they will not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.
