Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey’s scheduled court appearance at the Old Bailey has been adjourned without explanation, as the Ghanaian midfielder faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The 32-year-old, now playing for Spanish club Villarreal, is accused of committing two counts of rape against one woman, three counts against a second woman, and a separate sexual assault against a third, according to the Metropolitan Police. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. Partey has denied all charges.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that the first complaint was filed in February 2022. Partey previously appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact any of the complainants.
The case has now been rescheduled for September 17 at Southwark Crown Court, just a day after Villarreal take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Champions League clash in London.
Partey’s transfer to Villarreal in early August has been marred by controversy. A petition opposing the signing attracted hundreds of signatures from angry fans, while the Ghanaian was booed during his debut against Real Oviedo. Despite the backlash, he has already featured three times in La Liga.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has publicly defended the decision to bring the player on board, citing the principle of the presumption of innocence.
“The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,” Roig said. “At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”
Roig condemned violence in all forms but insisted the club would not bow to public pressure, calling on fans to support the team while allowing the courts to decide the midfielder’s fate.
Amid the legal proceedings, Partey is also expected to honour national duties. He has been named in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Black Stars will face Chad on September 4 and Mali on September 8.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com