Former Premier League winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing appeared in court on Friday to face charges of assaulting his wife. Mendez-Laing, 34, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault by beating.
The alleged incident occurred in June at the couple's home in Shenstone, Staffordshire. Mendez-Laing was arrested after police responded to a call at the property. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges last month.
The court heard that Mendez-Laing is accused of repeatedly hitting his wife, Saira Mendez-Laing, over the head and injuring her arm. The dispute reportedly began over a disagreement about a phone. Mendez-Laing maintains that the confrontation did not escalate to a physical assault.
Mendez-Laing, who currently plays for MK Dons, confirmed his name, age, and address in Cannock magistrates' court. He entered the courtroom on crutches. He and Saira Mendez-Laing, with whom he has a child, married last summer.
Judge Joseph O'Connor granted Mendez-Laing conditional bail. The trial is scheduled for January.
Mendez-Laing played for Cardiff in the Premier League during the 2019-20 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. He also represents Guatemala, qualifying through his mother and maternal grandmother. He has not played for MK Dons since the opening day of the current League One season, having transferred from Derby County, where he scored 19 goals in 131 games over three years. MK Dons have stated they cannot comment on ongoing legal matters.