Keypoints:
- Ghana star faces rape and assault charges
- Alleged offences date to Arsenal tenure
- Denies all allegations at London hearing
GHANA’S and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault during an appearance at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old is accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third between 2021 and 2022, a period when he played for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Court appearance and plea
Partey confirmed his name, date of birth and entered not guilty pleas to all charges at the hearing. The case centres on alleged incidents that prosecutors say took place in London while the Ghana international was still under contract with Arsenal.
The midfielder was charged earlier this month, just four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired on June 30.
Move to Spain
Partey signed for Spanish club Villarreal in August and featured in their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in London on Tuesday, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Career highlights
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth about £45mn ($61mn). During his time with the Gunners, he made 167 appearances and scored nine goals, including four goals in 52 matches last season. He has also earned more than 50 caps for Ghana, playing a key role for the Black Stars in international competitions.
Club statement
An Arsenal spokesperson previously confirmed that Partey’s contract ended on June 30, adding: ‘Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.’
The trial date is expected to be set at a later hearing.
