Thomas Partey will appear in court next month facing charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 32-year-old, who joined Arsenal in 2020 but left on June 30 after his contract expired, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said.
Partey, who was charged just four days after leaving the north London club, has been charged with two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape to a second woman and one count of sexual assault of a third woman. Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding: “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The former Arsenal midfielder is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5. "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him," Ms Wiltshire said. "He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
"He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
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