LONDON (AFP) - A British court on Friday (Aug 27) remanded Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy in custody after he was charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The 27-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court in north-west England to face accusations brought by three complainants.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

The France international wore a red hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms as he stood in the dock to hear the charges, speaking to confirm his name, age and address.

He is alleged to have attacked the females, one aged under 18, at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Judge Jack McGarva referred the case to Chester Crown Court, where the footballer is due to appear on Sept 10.

City suspended Mendy on Thursday after police confirmed that the Frenchman has been charged.

"The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete," City's statement added.

Mendy, who was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad, was remanded in custody ahead of Friday's appearance at Chester Magistrates' Court.

The left-back joined City in 2017 from Monaco for a reported £52 million (S$96.3 million).

Mendy has played 75 times for City over the past four years, winning three Premier League titles, but has seen his playing time limited by injuries and a loss of form.

He has just under two years left to run on a six-year contract.

The last of his 10 caps for France came in November 2019.