PSG supporters unfurl Achraf Hakimi banner with defender set for rape trial

It was confirmed this week that Achraf Hakimi will go to court after being accused of raping a woman at his home in 2023, and a portion of Paris Saint-Germain supporters have taken a side

A group of Paris Saint-Germain fans unfurled a banner declaring their 'total support' for defender Achraf Hakimi, who'll stand trial over an allegation of rape. Hakimi, 24, has been accused of raping a woman at his home in Paris in 2023.

The Morocco captain denies the allegation and has continued playing for PSG, who he joined in 2021. On Wednesday, Luis Enrique's side hosted fellow French club Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off tie.

Hakimi played the full match as PSG were held to 2-2 draw, although it was enough to secure qualification to the round of 16 after winning 3-2 in Monaco last week. The holders will now face either Barcelona or Newcastle United in the next phase.

Before kick-off in Wednesday's game at the Parc des Princes, a banner was unfurled by PSG's Collectif Ultras. It read: " Achraf, total support."

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Hakimi confirmed the news that he'd be standing trial on Tuesday via X, formerly Twitter. "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false," the ex-Real Madrid star wrote.

"It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly."

Hakimi's lawyer added in a statement that a 'trial has been ordered' and that 'it is with determination and resolve that we await this trial so that justice may be served'. The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre, a suburb of western Paris, opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023.

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The woman in question alleges that she met Hakimi in January 2023 via Instagram and went to his home in a taxi which was ordered by the player. She claims that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without her consent and then raped her.

She also says that she managed to push him away before sending a message to her friend, who came and picked her up. Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said that the woman was relieved to learn that the case was going to court.

Pardo added: "There are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men's football."

When asked about Hakimi's trial in his pre-match press conference, PSG manager Enrique replied: "This matter is in the hands of the authorities."

The Parisians are next in action on Saturday, travelling to Le Harve as they bid to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1.

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