Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey
Image credit: Getty Images
Ghanaian international and departing Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 and involve three women.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Partey, 32, denies all the charges against him. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire has released a statement to that effect.
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” He said.
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Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the priority of supporting the women who have come forward. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team,” he said.
The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.
Thomas Partey with Mikel Arteta
Thomas Partey with Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)
Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal for £45.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances last season and scored four goals as the London club finished second in the Premier League.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020. During his time with the club, he made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals.
He also played 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.
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He has also made over 50 appearances for Ghana’s national team.
The BBC has contacted Arsenal, the Football Association, and the Premier League for comment. Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that her client is unable to comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The case has sparked widespread attention, with many awaiting Partey’s court appearance. As Det Supt Furphy urged anyone with information to come forward, Partey’s fans and critics alike are left to ponder the implications of these serious charges.
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