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Sports News of Wednesday, 6 May 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

French Ligue 1 players arrested for allegedly masturbating in public

Farid El Melali Farid El Melali

French Ligue 1 footballer, Farid El Melali who played for Angers has been arrested for allegedly masturbating in public while peering into a female neighbour's flat, according to The Sun.

The 22-year-old Algeria star who has been charged with indecent exposure admitted an "inappropriate attitude" when questioned by police who were alerted on Monday evening.

While El Melali reportedly claimed that he thought he was alone in the courtyard of the building in question, his lawyer Sandra Chirac-Kollarik said: "He wasn't targeting anyone, and wasn't aggressive towards anyone."

According to Le Parisien, the player who has been released will be "tried soon in the context of a pre-conviction appearance, the equivalent of a guilty plea."

The Sun reports that the Algerian faces a maximum of 12 months behind bars and £13,000 fine.

El Melali is said to have a similar allegation against in April, although the witness was reportedly unable to identify him, according to the prosecutor.

"Farid El Melali, who lives with someone, owned up to committing the deeds while he was in custody. He then returned to his home," a spokesman for Angers prosecutors said.

Having acknowledged the act, the club said it will "wait for the decision" before commenting further.

Source: The Sun