PSG supporters unfurl Achraf Hakimi banner with defender set for rape trial

PSG supporters unfurl Achraf Hakimi banner with defender set for rape trial

It was confirmed this week that Achraf Hakimi will go to court after being accused of raping a woman at his home in 2023, and a portion of Paris Saint-Germain supporters have taken a side

A group of Paris Saint-Germain fans unfurled a banner declaring their ‘total support’ for defender Achraf Hakimi, who’ll stand trial over an allegation of rape. Hakimi, 24, has been accused of raping a woman at his home in Paris in 2023.

The Morocco captain denies the allegation and has continued playing for PSG, who he joined in 2021. On Wednesday, Luis Enrique’s side hosted fellow French club Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off tie.

Hakimi played the full match as PSG were held to 2-2 draw, although it was enough to secure qualification to the round of 16 after winning 3-2 in Monaco last week. The holders will now face either Barcelona or Newcastle United in the next phase.

Before kick-off in Wednesday’s game at the Parc des Princes, a banner was unfurled by PSG’s Collectif Ultras. It read: “Achraf, total support.”

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page

READ MORE: Real Madrid supporter banned after making Nazi salute during Champions League clashREAD MORE: Benfica fans clash with Spanish police before Real Madrid match in violent scenes

Hakimi confirmed the news that he’d be standing trial on Tuesday via X, formerly Twitter. “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false,” the ex-Real Madrid star wrote.

“It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”

Hakimi’s lawyer added in a statement that a ‘trial has been ordered’ and that ‘it is with determination and resolve that we await this trial so that justice may be served’. The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, a suburb of western Paris, opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023.

BACK THE MIRROR! Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

The woman in question alleges that she met Hakimi in January 2023 via Instagram and went to his home in a taxi which was ordered by the player. She claims that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without her consent and then raped her.

She also says that she managed to push him away before sending a message to her friend, who came and picked her up. Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said that the woman was relieved to learn that the case was going to court.

Pardo added: “There are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men’s football.”

When asked about Hakimi’s trial in his pre-match press conference, PSG manager Enrique replied: “This matter is in the hands of the authorities.”

The Parisians are next in action on Saturday, travelling to Le Harve as they bid to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Source From: Mirror – Champions League

Source link

Total
0
Shares
Related Posts
This website has updated its privacy policy in compliance with changes to European Union data protection law, for all members globally. We’ve also updated our Privacy Policy to give you more information about your rights and responsibilities with respect to your privacy and personal information. Please read this to review the updates about which cookies we use and what information we collect on our site. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our updated privacy policy.
Blogarama - Blog Directory