Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple rapes after appearing in court just hours after he played for his new club Villarreal against Tottenham.
The 32-year-old midfielder, whose contract at Arsenal expired in June before he joined the Spanish side on a free transfer, appeared at Southwark Crown Court this morning, Wednesday, September 17. Partey was booed and jeered by Spurs fans throughout Villarreal's 1-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening, September 16, while warming up in the first half and after he was introduced as a substitute in the second half.
This morning he arrived at court to enter pleas to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and enter his not guilty pleas. Partey was charged with the offences on July 4, four days after leaving Arsenal.
After he was charged, Partey's lawyer said he "denies all the charges against him" and "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name". Partey is on conditional bail, with conditions including not to contact any of the three women and that he must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. The conditions of his bail do not prevent Partey from playing football.
Partey came on as a 78th-minute substitute for Villarreal last night, replacing Santi Comesana. It was the first match he had played in England since he was charged with the sexual offences.
Thomas Partey of Villarreal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal
Thomas Partey played the closing stages of Villarreal's defeat by Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Investigations into Partey started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape. The charges involve two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape relating to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault relating to a third woman. Those incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges against Partey in a statement released in July. Speaking when the charges were announced, 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.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Thomas Partey of Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal celebrating the victory during the UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP v Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta pictured in November 2024 (Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London
"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."
In a statement, Partey's lawyer Ms Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said: "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. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."
The Ghana international joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a £45million deal and played 167 times for the Gunners.
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The defensive midfielder made 52 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, including 35 times in the Premier League. He left the Emirates despite reports that manager Mikel Arteta expressed a desire to retain him.
More than 1,000 supporters signed a petition set up by online content hub Villarreal Report to protest Partey's signing. He made his debut on the opening weekend of the La Liga season at home to Real Oviedo on August 15, when he was whistled and jeered by the home crowd.
He has since made two further substitute appearances, before making his first start of the season against another former club - Atletico Madrid - at the weekend.