Sports
Protesters slam Arsenal’s handling of Thomas Partey case during midfielder’s court appearance
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court today, where he was hit with five rape charges relating to two women.
The 32-year-old former midfielder, who left the Gunners at the end of June, faces five counts of rape and one of sexual assault after allegations dating back to 2021-2022, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Partey, who denies all charges, was granted bail at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and is now awaiting further legal proceedings.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said the footballer welcomed the chance to clear his name, insisting that he had cooperated fully with police throughout the three-year investigation.
Protesters gathered outside the court holding up a sign accusing Arsenal of mishandling the case. The sign read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing’. Then did nothing.”
Partey, who is in the process of finalising a move to Spanish club Villarreal, was charged just days after leaving the North London club.
He is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three against another, with a third woman claiming sexual assault.
The investigation into the footballer began in February 2022 after a report of rape was filed.
The CPS confirmed that charges were brought after a comprehensive review of evidence during an extensive three-year probe.
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a hefty £45million and made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals.
The player was also in discussions about extending his contract with the club, but with no agreement reached, he left as a free agent.
Despite the charges, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta previously defended the club’s handling of the matter, claiming he was “100% comfortable” with their approach.
However, protests from fans have been growing, with Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence demanding better accountability from the club.
They’ve expressed concerns over the club’s decision to select and promote Partey while under investigation.
An Arsenal spokesperson has refused to comment, saying: “Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment.
