By Safiu Kehinde
Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy and his Real Madrid’s cousin, Ferland Mendy have both hit out at French and British media for confusing them with accused Manchester City player, Benjamin Mendy.
Recall that Blackbox Nigeria earlier reported the court case against the France international. The 27-year-old had two charges added to his previous four charges of rape and sexual assault. Benjamin who has been suspended by his Premier League club has been in police custody since August.
Meanwhile, French and British media, while reporting Benjamin Mendy’s case accidentally attached the images of Eduoard Mendy and Ferland Mendy respectively to the story.
In a report headlined, “Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy charged with two more counts of rape”, the Daily Mirror article reposted by Upsday was accompanied by the Chelsea goal keeper’s picture.
In a similar version, Le Parisien reported the news in French using Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy’s picture in their story.
Both players, however, took their instagram page to hit out at the media houses.
“Sad to see that in 2021, in France as well as England. For some, black people have neither names nor distinct faces,” Eduoard Mendy posted on his IG Story.
“These “mistakes” of photos appear anecdotal. But actually they are quite the opposite, they are highly symbolic. It’s not that hard to distinguish between two faces, especially when the football jersey is of valuable help!” the goalkeeper continued.
Responding to his cousin, Ferland Mendy also blast the media houses.
“Thank you! We are in 2021!”
“It will take time but you will end up respecting us! Whether you like it or not.” The Frenchman replied.
Meanwhile, a Twitter user urged the affected players to sue the French and British media houses to court.
“Take them to Court @Chelsea/Eduoard Mendy. Disgraceful,” the user named Matt Debono posted on his Twitter handle.
As at the time of filing this report, both accused media houses are yet to respond to the allegations.
