Former West Ham star Said Benrahma is set to face court over allegations that his XL bully and American bulldog attacked a man during a walk. The 30-year-old footballer spent three-and-a-half seasons with West Ham before signing for French side Lyon in February 2024, initially on loan and then permanently.
The Algerian international now plays for Saudi Arabian team Neom. However, off the pitch, Benrahma faces two charges of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs from when he resided in Hornchurch, East London, in 2023. Due to his current location in Saudi Arabia, the midfielder was absent from Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. Benrahma is due to appear in court either in person or via video link later on October 16.
The alleged victim has been named as Luke Rehbin. If found guilty, Benrahma could face punishments ranging from an unlimited fine to prison time, as well as being prohibited from owning dogs and potentially having his dogs put down. Benrahma frequently shares photos with his two dogs on social media and his defence lawyer, Adrian England, said: “I want an application to request an adjournment.
“I know nothing about the basics except for the absolute basics. I don’t know precisely what he has been charged for. I need to take instructions from his solicitor in Monaco to contact him and speak to him to receive proper instructions.” England has indicated that Benrahma intends to deny the charges, adding that the Algerian is ‘hoping to keep costs to an absolute minimum’. Magistrate Roger King confirmed that the case will remain in the Magistrates’ Court rather than be committed to the Crown Court.
Benrahma was recently omitted from Algeria’s squad by manager Vladimir Petkovic for their two forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. The former West Ham star and his team-mate Youcef Belaili exchanged cryptic messages on Instagram, perceived as veiled jabs at each other, following their country’s 0-0 draw with Guinea last time out.
Both players tried to smooth things over by posting a joint photo expressing their ‘brotherhood’. However, Petkovic was reportedly livid with the pair’s behaviour and has left them out of his latest squad.
After his loan from Brentford was made permanent in January 2021, Benrahma became West Ham’s third-most expensive signing ever, costing an initial £25million plus £5m in add-ons. He netted 24 goals and provided 31 assists in 155 appearances for West Ham.
