Ex-West Ham Star Saïd Benrahma to Stand Trial After XL Bully and American Bulldog Allegedly Attack Man

Table of Contents

1. Trial of Saïd Benrahma
2. Background Information
3. Charges Against Benrahma
4. Legal Proceedings
5. Career Overview

Former Premier League star Saïd Benrahma is set to face trial following allegations that his XL Bully and American bulldog attacked a man.

The £30 million ex-winger, currently playing for Saudi Pro League team Neom, could face jail time or fines if convicted.

During his time in London, Saïd Benrahma was frequently seen out and about, posing for pictures with his dogs, Ghost and Cali. Benrahma joined West Ham on a season-long loan in 2020 and later became the club's third most expensive player in January 2021 with a £30 million transfer. The player is scheduled to appear in court either in person or via video link later this month.

Benrahma, 30, faces two counts related to dog ownership while living in Hornchurch, East London, in July 2023.

His XL Bully is reported to have injured Luke Rehbin while it was out of control near his residence.

A second charge claims that the Algerian winger was also the owner of an American bulldog that attacked Mr. Rehbin.

Throughout his playing career in London, he was often photographed with his two dogs, Ghost and Cali.

He was supposed to enter pleas at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Thursday but did not attend due to being abroad.

His solicitors submitted a letter stating that he would deny both charges, while emphasizing that the millionaire athlete aimed to “keep costs to an absolute minimum,” as stated in court.

Defending attorney Adrian said: “I would like to request an adjournment.”

“I am unfamiliar with the specifics of the case beyond the most basic details.”

“I need to consult with his solicitor in Monaco to communicate with him and obtain proper instructions.”

Magistrate Roger King expressed satisfaction with keeping the case in the magistrates’ court rather than escalating it to the crown court.

Benrahma will appear in court either in person or via video link later this month.

Anyone permitting a dog to be dangerously out of control may face an unlimited fine, imprisonment, a prohibition on dog ownership, or the possibility of having their animal euthanized.

Benrahma began his professional career with Nice before transferring to Brentford in 2018, where he scored 27 goals in 83 appearances.

In 2020, Benrahma moved to West Ham on a season-long loan before becoming the club’s third most expensive player in January 2021 for £30 million .

He netted 24 goals in 155 matches for the Hammers.

In June of last year, West Ham permanently signed him for £12 million following a successful loan period.

In January, Benrahma joined the then second-tier Saudi First Division team Neom SC on loan until the season's end.

Neom signed him permanently in April for £13 million after their promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

He has scored four goals in 40 appearances for Algeria and also holds French citizenship, having moved to Toulouse with his family at the age of 11.