Ex-Premier League player Said Benrahma fined after ‘dangerous’ XL Bullys attacked golden retriever

Former West Ham player Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 after pleading guilty to owning dangerously out-of-control dogs.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who spent four seasons at the Hammers, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court to two counts of owning dangerously out of control dogs that attacked a golden retriever in July 2023.

During his West Ham days, the winger was regularly seen out and posing for pictures with his two dogs, named Ghost and Cali.

The dogs, which the court was told are both XL bullies, chased and attacked a golden retriever called Bailey which had needed vet treatment.

He admitted to two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs when he lived in Hornchurch, east London, in 2023.

The dog’s owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his arms and legs after grappling with Benrahma’s dogs on the ground, Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard.

Benrahma said the dogs escaped from a side gate, which had been left open by someone working for him at the time.

He appeared at court on Thursday by video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom.

The Algerian winger joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and registered 24 goals in 155 games for the club.

District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the incident must have been ‘very distressing’ for the golden retriever’s owner, and fined Benrahma £5,000 for each of the attacks, ordered him to pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Rehbin plus £495 kennel costs.