Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy faces trial over dog attack on teenager in 2023
As reported by MARCA, a court in Alcobendas, Madrid, has ordered Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy to stand trial over an incident in which one of his dogs allegedly attacked a 17-year-old boy and two other dogs after escaping from his property in January 2023.
The French international faces charges relating to injuries caused by the incident, with prosecutors and the victim’s legal representatives seeking different penalties.
Different penalties requested
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged Mendy with a minor offense of causing injury and is requesting a fine of €1,200.
However, the private prosecution representing the injured teenager, handled by law firm 99 Abogados, is seeking a significantly harsher sentence. It argues that Mendy committed a serious offense through gross negligence and is requesting six months in prison.
On January 7, an investigating judge in Alcobendas issued the order to proceed to trial and required Mendy to post a €7,410 bond to cover the various compensation claims.
The case will be heard by Madrid Criminal Court No. 26, although a trial date has not yet been scheduled.
What happened?
According to the prosecution, the events took place on January 4, 2023. Four dogs belonging to Mendy allegedly escaped from his home on an exclusive residential street in Alcobendas after the property gate was left open when a vehicle entered.
One of the dogs allegedly approached a woman walking her dachshund and attacked the smaller dog, biting it in the back. The injuries were so severe that the dachshund later had to be euthanized.
A 17-year-old boy attempted to assist the woman and was bitten on his left leg during the incident.
The German Shorthaired Pointer he was walking also suffered injuries to its neck and chest and later required surgery.
Alleged failures in Animal Control
According to the prosecution, the four dogs did not have identification microchips, lacked the legally required liability insurance and had not been vaccinated against rabies.
Prosecutors argue that Mendy, who is recovering from an injury, failed in his legal duty to properly supervise and control the animals.
They allege that he neglected the level of care expected from “a reasonably diligent person” by failing to ensure that the property’s gate had been securely closed after a vehicle entered.
As a result, the dogs allegedly remained loose in the street without supervision, creating what prosecutors describe as a concrete danger to both people and other animals.
Compensation claims
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is requesting that Mendy compensate the victims as follows:
€450 to the owner of the dachshund that later died, €4,970 to the injured teenager for his physical injuries and permanent scars and €240 to the owner of the injured German Shorthaired Pointer to cover veterinary expenses.
The private prosecution is seeking substantially higher damages, requesting €20,000 for the injured teenager and €2,500 for the owner of the second injured dog.
The case will now proceed to trial, where the court will determine whether Mendy bears criminal responsibility for the alleged negligence and the injuries resulting from the incident.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
