A Ligue 1 star Farid El Melali who plays for Angers has been arrested for allegedly masturbat!ng!ng in public while peering into a female neighbour’s flat.
The Algerian forward was reported to have been pleasuring himself in the courtyard of his building when police were called on Monday evening.
El Meli’s lawyer Sandra Chirac-Kollarik said: “He wasn’t targeting anyone, and wasn’t aggressive towards anyone.”
According to Le Parisien, it was claimed the footballer thought his neighbours could not see him.
The 22-year-old admitted an “inappropriate attitude” when questioned by police and has been charged with indecent exposure.
El Melali, who made his debut for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in 2018, was released but will be “tried soon in the context of a pre-conviction appearance, the equivalent of a guilty plea.
He now faces a maximum of 12 months behind bars and £13,000 fine.
A spokesman for Angers prosecutors said: “Farid El Melali, who lives with someone, owned up to committing the deeds while he was in custody. He then returned to his home.”
SEE ALSO | Chelsea Transfer Target IN LOVE With ‘World’s Most Beautiful Actress’ Who’s 12 Years Older
Angers have acknowledged the situation but said they will “wait for the decision” before commenting further.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
