Ex-West Ham player to face court over dog attack: what he is facing.

According to The Sun: Ex-Premier League player Said Benrahma will face court over claims that his dogs, an XL Bully and an American bulldog, allegedly attacked a man.

The former West Ham winger, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom, faces the prospect of a prison sentence or a fine if found guilty.

Case on hold

Benrahma, 30, is accused of two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog while living in Hornchurch, East London, in July 2023.

His XL Bully allegedly injured Luke Rebin when the dog behaved aggressively near his home.

The second charge involves the American bulldog, which also attacked Mr. Rebin.

Throughout his career in London, Benrahma has often been seen in public with his dogs named Ghost and Cali.

The player was unable to attend the hearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Thursday as he was in Saudi Arabia.

His lawyers sent a letter stating that he would deny both charges, however, the star hopes to 'minimize costs', as mentioned in court.

Arrest and hearing

Lawyer Adrian Anglia noted:

“I want to apply for an adjournment. I know nothing about the basic information, apart from the absolutely basic. I do not know exactly what he is being charged with.”

Judge Roger King stated that he had no objection to keeping the case in magistrates' court rather than transferring it to the Crown Court.

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

Those allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control may face an unlimited fine, prison sentence, a ban on keeping or caring for dogs, as well as possible orders for the destruction of the animal.

Benrahma's career

Benrahma began his professional career at League 1 side Nice, then moved to Brentford in 2018, scoring 27 goals in 83 matches.

In 2020, he signed a loan deal with West Ham, becoming the club's third-most expensive player in a £30 million deal in January 2021.

For West Ham, he scored 24 goals in 155 matches.

In June of last year, Lyon signed him on a permanent deal for £12 million after a successful loan spell.

In January, Benrahma moved to second division side Neom SC on loan until the end of the season.

Neom signed him on a permanent deal for £13 million in April after the team was promoted to the Saudi Pro League.

He has scored four goals for the Algerian national team but also holds French citizenship as he moved to Toulouse with his family at the age of 11.

This case is significant not only for Benrahma but also for the issue of safety in the ownership of potentially dangerous dogs, especially as society becomes increasingly sensitive to incidents related to aggressive animal behavior. Further developments in this case may influence legislative regulation regarding the ownership of dangerous dogs in the UK.