Thomas Partey Faces Rape Trial, Pleads Not Guilty

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape and sexual assault charges at Southwark Crown Court in London.

According to a report by VANGUARD, the 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal, is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He is accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third between 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player.

Partey appeared in court on Wednesday to confirm his name, date of birth, and formally enter his not guilty pleas.

The Ghana international was charged just four days after leaving Arsenal, following the expiry of his contract on June 30. He later signed with Villarreal in August.

The midfielder featured as a substitute in Villarreal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham on Tuesday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He came on in the 78th minute of the match.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for a transfer fee of around £45 million ($61 million). He made 167 appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals, including four last season in 52 games. For Ghana, he has earned over 50 international caps.

An Arsenal spokesperson previously stated:

“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”

The trial is expected to continue as Partey maintains his innocence.