A Premier League footballer has gone on trial for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in France.
The unnamed professional, who was aged 17 at the time of the alleged incident, stood in court for the first time in July alongside his cousin, who is two years older.
The 15-year-old girl was reportedly found crying by friends at a campsite in the Aigues-Mortes commune in the department of Gard, in southern France, on July 7 2012.
The woman, now aged 21, said two older foreigners had sexually assaulted and took advantage of her while she was drunk. She added the two cousins knew she was underage.
The footballer, now 23, initially told authorities he did not have sex with the girl, according to reports.
He then reportedly changed his story to say he had consensual sex with the girl.
The alleged victim’s account of events reportedly remain unchanged and the trail is due to take place in Nimes, France.
Remy Nougier, the lawyer of the football player, told AFP that he has appealed against the charges as his client vigorously denies the girl’s claims.
The player’s cousin, now aged 25, also claims that the intercourse was consensual and says that they did not know the girl’s age at the time of the incident, according to reports.
French media report that the footballer is not French but did not provide further information on his identity.
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.