Former Premier League winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting his wife. The 34-year-old footballer, currently playing for MK Dons, appeared in Cannock Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Mendez-Laing was accused of beating his spouse, Saira Mendez-Laing, in June at their home in Shenstone, Staffordshire. Police were called to the property, and Mendez-Laing was subsequently charged with assault by beating. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized these charges last month.
The court heard that Mendez-Laing is accused of repeatedly hitting his wife over the head and causing injury to her arm. The couple reportedly had a dispute that began over a disagreement about a phone, though the footballer maintains the confrontation did not become physical.
Mendez-Laing and Saira, who have a child together, have been married for one year. He appeared in court on crutches, confirmed his personal details, but made no further statement. The judge granted Mendez-Laing conditional bail.
A trial date has been set for January of next year. MK Dons stated they are unable to comment on ongoing legal cases. Mendez-Laing has not played for the team since the opening day of the current League One season. He previously played for Cardiff City in the Premier League during the 2019-20 season and spent three years at Derby County before joining MK Dons.