Ryan Giggs tried from Monday in Manchester for domestic violence

Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is on trial from Monday in a Manchester court for domestic violence, charges he denies but which forced him to resign as Wales manager at approach of the 2022 World Cup.

The former Welsh international, 48, was arrested in November 2020 after a violent argument with his partner, Kate Greville. Accused of controlling behavior and bodily violence against his partner as well as assaulting her sister, he was placed under judicial supervision and faces up to five years in prison.

After a postponement in January, his trial before a royal court is due to begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. local time, and last 10 days. Ryan Giggs pleaded not guilty in a first court appearance last year.

His lawyer, Chris Daw, is known to have already defended several renowned sportsmen, including the former captain of Chelsea and the England team, John Terry, cleared in 2012 after accusations of racist behavior towards an ex-teammate , Anton Ferdinand.

Another trial involving a footballer is due to start two days later in England: that of the French defender of Manchester City, Benjamin Mendy, on Wednesday, before a court in Chester (north-west).

Mendy, 27, is charged with eight rapes, one attempted rape and a sexual assault, charges he denies. He has been suspended since the end of August 2021 by his club Manchester City.

Giggs resigned from his post as Wales manager in June, saying he did not want to “that the country’s preparations for the World Cup will be affected“. He added that he “intend to resume (his) managerial career at a later date“. He was appointed in January 2018.

As a player, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with ManU. He began his coaching career at Old Trafford by taking over as temporary manager at the end of the 2013/14 season, following David Moyes’ dismissal, before working as Louis van Gaal’s assistant for two years.